The Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT) was designed to measure progress in management effectiveness at particular sites over time.

First published in 2002, the METT was one of the first tools developed to reflect the IUCN WCPA framework for protected area management effectiveness, and since then it has become one of the most used PAME tools across the globe. Several versions of the METT and many adaptations have been produced, reflecting lessons learned through implementation; by 2016 the METT had been applied in 127 countries worldwide.

In 2020 a new version of the METT (the fourth version, METT-4) was developed. METT-4 draws together the lessons learned from applying the tool around the world. For the first time, METT-4 is presented as an Excel tool which aids implementation and compilation of results. The METT-4 consists of two main sections: 1) datasheets of key information on the protected area and 2) an assessment form that provides a composite measurement across 38 parameters integrating all six components of the IUCN WCPA framework. The METT Handbook published in 2016 will be updated in 2021 to reflect the revised METT-4.

The METT-4 Excel Workbook and Guidance are available here and on the Protected Planet website:
https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/thematic-areas/protected-areas-management-effectiveness-pame?tab=METT

The METT was designed primarily to track progress over time at a single site and to identify actions to address management issues; rather than to compare management between different sites. For further information on the METT please refer to:

Stolton, S., Hockings, M., Dudley, N. (2020). Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool. Reporting Progress at Protected Area Sites: Fourth Edition. Excel Workbook and Guidance.

Stolton, S. and Dudley, N. (2016). METT Handbook: A guide to using the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT). WWF-UK, Woking, UK.

Stolton S. et al. (2007). Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT). Reporting Progress at Protected Area Sites: Second Edition. WWF and The World Bank.