Method for the development of a monitoring and evaluation system for the terrestrial and aquatic ecological network policy: application to regional schemes of ecological coherence

Abstract

Evaluation of the regional 'Trame verte et bleue' (literally "Green and blue infrastructure", referring to the terrestrial and aquatic ecological network) policy has been made mandatory by law through the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism under the Regional Ecological Coherence Schemes (SRCE for short in French). The Ministry of the Environment has taken the initiative to set up a national working group led by Irstea to propose such a mechanism to French regions. The methodological framework developed by the group is original in its combination of public policy evaluation criteria (relevance, coherence, efficiency and effectiveness) and the DPSIR model (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response). This article first recalls the framework for monitoring and evaluating public policies. It then presents the methodological framework chosen to best accommodate the context of the 'Trame verte et bleue', the need to incorporate public policy evaluation criteria and the desire to produce a system organized around monitoring indicators. The DPSIR model emerges as the most appropriate in this environmental context to develop this system of indicators. The article then presents the group's working method, its different stages and the difficulties encountered. Finally, the authors explore the prospects for the mechanism's improvement and appropriation in a context of lack of knowledge on ecological connectivity and the strong legislative acquired by the 'Trame verte et bleue' with the advent of the Regional Blueprint for Sustainable Development and Territorial Equality (SRADDET).