© Edy Susanto / Fauna & Flora

The SMART Approach to

Conservation: A guide to
getting started
A practical guide to implementation
and sustained use of the SMART
Approach & SMART software
Version 1.1
Contents
Preface 2
Introduction to the SMART Approach 3
Applications of SMART & case study 5
How to use the guide 6

STAGE 1. SCOPING SMART USE 7

STAGE 2. PLANNING SMART IMPLEMENTATION 9

STAGE 3. SMART TRAINING 16

STAGE 4. IMPLEMENTATION 18

STAGE 5. MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE SMART USE 20

Getting help and support 24

Glossary of terms 25
Summarising checklist 26

Follow the links provided throughout this guide to be directed to more

detailed and informative resources - Or go directly to our Resource
Library to view them all in one place

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 1

 Preface
Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) sets
out an ambitious objective: to conserve at least 30% of the planet by 2030.
Achieving this target does not just involve the designation of more conserved
and protected areas, the success of the GBF also requires these areas to be
effectively managed to drive impact. Supporting decision-making with data
from systematic monitoring of threats and wildlife can deliver the impact
needed to conserve global biodiversity. However, systematic monitoring is
not without its challenges. Collecting data over an entire conserved area is
limited by funds, accessibility and safety concerns. In addition, once data is
collected, integrating data into appropriate data management, processing and
analysis workflows is time-consuming and requires specific technical skill
sets. To address these challenges and improve the systematic monitoring of
areas, the SMART Approach was developed.

SMART is the global standard for conservation monitoring and

management. Presently, SMART is used in more than 1,500 conservation
areas and 100 countries worldwide, helping teams enhance law enforcement,
wildlife monitoring, patrolling, and more. Yet, implementing SMART
software on its own is not sufficient to improve protection and monitoring.
To truly transform conservation management, the SMART Partnership and
Fauna & Flora encourage users to adopt the SMART Approach. This
structured method for using data to drive adaptive decision-making is highly
beneficial, as it improves the quality of monitoring step-by-step. When
appropriately applied, this approach can produce substantial improvements
in area management, maximising the impact of conservation efforts.

Ultimately, field data is what drives conservation management activities and

is fundamental to conservation success. Implementing modern, and
data-driven approaches to collecting and using field data is, therefore, crucial
to stop the decline of biodiversity. By scaling up data-driven conservation
practices and working as a global community, we can make a real
difference - and save nature together.

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 2

Introduction to The SMART
Approach
How does SMART work? - The SMART Approach
The SMART Approach - A practical framework for more effective
utilisation of data collection, analysis, reporting, and management of
PCAs to achieve a higher impact from actions...

The SMART Approach is built on a system of three components

including the cutting-edge SMART software technology, site-level
hardware integrated with SMART software, and robust adaptive
management principles. Together, these elements help transform raw
data into actionable insights, supporting more informed and effective
decision-making. Read more below…

SMART Approach

SMART Adaptive SMART Software SMART Hardware

Management A powerful tool used to SMART
Adaptive Management is collect, manage, analyse, Software-compatible
the continuous process of and report on conservation
devices that are used
collecting, analysing, site data. It is used to to collect and process
reporting, and learning support every step of the SMART data -
from data to inform the SMART Adaptive including
creation of continuously Management Cycle for smartphones,
data-driven plans - see more effective and efficient computers & more
the next page for more… conservation work

This guide provides a step-by-step process for setting up these

three components of the SMART Approach. Instructions and links
to further resources provided in this guide can help your project
establish a strong foundation for effectively applying the SMART
Approach to achieve your conservation objectives.

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 3

 More on Adaptive
Management
Using SMART software will not, on its own, improve the effectiveness
of a conservation area. In addition to the use of SMART software and
relevant hardware, capacity and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
to carry out Adaptive Management should be in place.

Adaptive Management - a continuous process of creating a strategic plan,

performing the plan, evaluating its impact, and creating a new improved
plan driven by the evaluation - a practice that is increasingly becoming a
cornerstone of modern conservation.

SMART-Enabled Adaptive Management - While effective, we

believe Adaptive Management can be taken a step further. Using the
SMART Approach, you can integrate the cutting-edge SMART software
into each step of Adaptive Management cycle, enabling your
conservation project to more efficiently transform collected data into
actionable insights, driving more effective decision-making. View the
figure below to see how this works…

Data collection using SMART Mobile

Strategic planning Data entry

using SMART using
Patrols & SMART
Surveys Connect
SMART- Enabled
Adaptive
Management
Cycle
Feedback & Analysis using
Evaluation using SMART Queries
SMART Reports

How SMART technology is integrated into the Adaptive Management cycle - read more here

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 4

What do over 1500 sites use the SMART Approach for?

➔ Wildlife monitoring ➔ Citizen science

➔ Law enforcement monitoring ➔ Intelligence
➔ Human-wildlife conflict ➔ Community outreach
➔ Threat level assessments ➔ Tourism & visitor management
➔ Site performance ➔ Natural resource use

Example Case Study of SMART Use: Save the Rhino Trust

Namibia
Using SMART for law enforcement monitoring

The communal lands of North-West Namibia

support one of the last free-ranging Black Rhino
populations. With an upsurge in poaching
pressure and scaling of monitoring operations,
SRT decided to change their paper-based tools
for SMART technology.

Using SMART’s mobile data collection and

cloud-enabled features, site managers can now
receive field data wirelessly from the field. And
with SMART’s in-built analytical functions,
managers could immediately and more
accurately analyse the team’s observations,
providing data-driven insights for rangers to
use in the field. A process that previously took
hours, or days, of manual data entry and
processing could now be completed in a matter
of minutes using the SMART Approach.

Read more Stories on the SMART Website to get a deeper

understanding of the diverse applications and benefits of SMART
Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 5
 How to Use the Guide
1. Scoping Whether you are a Site
Director, National
Discussing if SMART is Director, or a Trainer,
appropriate for your your project in question
project is either considering or
already using SMART.
Whatever the case, this
2. Planning
guide should be read in
Designing a successful its entirety to help assist
SMART implementation in the effective use of
the platform.

SMART implementation
3. Training and this guide follows
Stages of SMART

five distinct stages,

Implementation

Training staff in the

effective use of SMART from initially discussing
the use of the SMART
platform, to sustaining
its long-term use in your
4. Launch area.
Testing and releasing
SMART in a controlled
manner
Follow the links to
5. Maintenance helpful resources
provided throughout
Ensuring this guide for more
successful long-term
use of SMART detailed information

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 6

 Stage One
Scoping SMART Use © Bjorn Olesen

Stage One Outline

o Assessing if your project has the existing requirements to
implement SMART
o Discussing your ideas with an experienced SMART User

Requirements for SMART implementation

SMART is designed to enhance the management of conservation projects,
but its effective implementation depends on meeting key enabling
conditions beforehand.
Enabling conditions for SMART implementation
Formal management structure: A stable system to evaluate patrols
and lead decision-making (e.g., CA agency)
Endorsement: Support for the SMART Approach from relevant
decision-makers
Active patrolling: Staff and equipment used for protection and/or
monitoring on the ground (or planned to be)
Enabling environment: Willingness to adopt SMART and adjust site
practices accordingly.
Financial planning: Budgeted resources for SMART-enabled patrols.

Skills required from management & decision-making roles

● Effective leadership
● Understanding of patrol issues
● A level of technical proficiency to operate SMART tools
● Analytical skills to evaluate patrol data and give feedback to rangers

The site should strive to meet these prior requirements

before attempting to implement SMART
Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 7
 To increase the effective use of SMART, it is advised
to talk to an experienced individual or organisation

Getting guidance from a SMART user

SMART implementation requires extensive and well-informed planning

to create an effective solution to your conservation needs.

To gather more information, talk to an individual, site, or organisation

you know uses SMART. If you do not know any SMART users, or projects
you do know have a context that is too dissimilar to yours, explore the
following options…
• SMART Community Forum: Ask your concerns directly to the
entire SMART community
• SMART Virtual Helpdesk: Book a one-to-one session for expert
advice on a diverse range of topics. Or reach out to
info@[Link].
• SMART Case Studies: Read examples of how other sites use their
SMART for inspiration

It is also helpful to utilise these resources if you are already using SMART.
These groups of users and stories are helpful in guiding improvements to
your SMART Approach.

Items to discuss with an experienced user…

● What are your specific needs from SMART?
● Possible challenges that will affect your SMART use.
● What SMART Technology will be the most helpful to you?
● Is your initial plan for SMART realistic?

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 8

 © Rich Howorth / Fauna & Flora

Stage Two
Planning Implementation
Stage Two Outline
o Defining SMART objectives o Creating a SMART training plan
o Designing a SMART Approach o Planning for SMART maintenance
o Selecting the SMART Team

Defining SMART Objectives

Creating SMART objectives is less about adding new goals and more
identifying how SMART can integrate into existing objectives…

Locate Existing Objectives… Incorporate SMART into

The site or project should already existing Objectives…
have a clear monitoring plan with Next, specifically identify where
defined and actionable objectives and how SMART can enhance
including… progress towards existing
● Key threats objectives. Consider how SMART
● Focal targets will be used to…
● Monitoring teams ● Collect the required data
● Listed data to be collected ● Generate actionable
● Insights needed for effective insights
adaptive management ● Create a standardised and
● Reporting needs informative reporting
● How objectives may change schedule
over time
Perform this exercise in an
For guidance on defining project all-staff workshop to ensure
objectives, see the Open objectives are realistic and
Standards for the Practice of well-informed.
Conservation.

SMART is most effective when built upon a strong set of clearly

defined and actionable objectives
Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 9
 Designing Your SMART Approach
The SMART Approach consists of three core components, each of
which should be carefully selected and designed:

SMART Software

SMART Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to

enable Adaptive Management

SMART Hardware

Configuring the SMART Software

After identifying objectives, the database can now be configured for the
conservation area(s). The SMART Database exists within SMART Desktop
and contains all the information required to manage the site(s). It is
advised to first plan the database in a workshop containing
representatives from all your SMART-using teams in the order below,
before actually creating the SMART database on your desktop.

Staff lists… Reports…

Note the organisations, teams, SMART Reports allow for
and staff involved in SMART highly configurable report
operations and ensure that each templates that enable a more
are represented in planning regular and standardised
workshops for this exercise. production of reports by
automatically drawing on
Queries.
Area boundaries & scope…
Revisit your SMART objectives,
Ensure you understand the and note the inferences needed
geographical scope of your in your reports to effectively
SMART operations, and identify inform progress towards these
any patrol or management to construct only the most
sectors that need to be included impactful for your teams and
in the database. partners.

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 10

 Queries (data analysis)...
SMART’s in-built analytical
tool queries the database using
stacked filters, presenting
collected data in tables or on
the map.

When designing queries, look at

the inferences needed from
your reports, and note the types
of analysis required to generate
these. Visit Module 4 of the
SMART 7 Technical Training
Manual to view the types of
analysis available in SMART.

Data Model…
The Data Model defines and structures all the information
needing collecting, analysing and reporting in SMART.

In a workshop representing relevant teams, revisit your SMART

objectives, reporting and analysis needs, and clearly identify what
data is needed and the methods and tools needed to collect this
data effectively. Then, identify the data, methods and tools
required to achieve these objectives. Remember to minimise
unnecessary complexities, which can confuse staff, lead to
unnecessary data collection, and increase processing workloads.
With this information, your team can create an outline of a data
model to be created later.

Once the team has planned the SMART database, you can build
its components in SMART Desktop using the SMART 7
Technical Training Manual & other relevant manuals

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 11

SMART Hardware Selection
SMART can utilise a wide array of devices including computers,
smartphones, field sensors and more. However, inadequate research into
hardware selection may lead to devices failing in the field. When
selecting devices, please consider…
➔ What devices are needed for your SMART use? Common devices
include computers, smartphones, power banks, GPS handhelds, and
on-site servers.
➔ What site-specific requirements apply, such as smartphone
battery life, or a laptop’s operating system? Minimum
requirements and considerations for Smartphones and Connect Server
hosting have been linked - for free servers see SCaaS.
➔ Do these devices fit your budget? While minimising hardware
costs is important, inadequate hardware may lead to issues and
require additional funding to replace them.

SMART SOPs to enable Adaptive Management

The area’s standardised procedures for data collection, processing and
reporting can be created using your recently identified objectives to assist
staff to follow the SMART-Enabled Adaptive Management Cycle…
• Reducing ambiguity of data collection (observer bias)
• Navigating the SMART Database
• Understanding analysis and reporting requirements

Both SMART and non-SMART-related SOPs should be printed into field

handbooks and provided to all staff members to reference. Look at this
example of an SOP handbook for SMART Patrols in the Sundarbans
Mangrove Forest, Bangladesh for an idea of what this looks like.

Keep your SMART SOPs simple and high-quality to ensure data

effectively supports the project’s objectives

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 12

 Creating Your SMART Team

The specific roles and number of staff required to implement the SMART
Approach depends on your objectives and site capacity. Ideally, four broad
roles should feature (depending on the capacity of the conservation area),
each possessing specific competences required for different components
of effective SMART use…

Skilled Workers Executives

e.g., Rangers & e.g., Regional or
Outreach Workers National Director
Responsible for data collection in Centrally-based decision maker
the field according to SMART coordinating cross-sectoral
SOPs. Completes specific tasks projects. Establishes a supported
under supervision environment for the area-wide
deployment of SMART
Technical Experts
e.g., Head Ranger or © Mtalii Ochieng / Bahari
Ecologist Hai

Completes complex technical

tasks according to speciality.
Responsible for administration
and analysis of SMART data & the
SMART database

Senior Managers
e.g., CA Director or
Managers
Directs and manages the site,
leading complex programmes
according to speciality.
Coordinates SMART use at the
site-level

It is highly recommended to read the SMART Competence

Register which describes these roles, and their required skills,
knowledge and attributes in more detail
Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 13
 Common barriers to staff performing SMART duties
SMART implementation can be challenging for staff as they take on
additional duties and learn complex topics, with the following barriers
often reducing their ability to adapt to SMART…
➔ A lack of motivation to use SMART especially from higher
management
➔ Minimal time availability for any additional SMART-related duties
➔ Limited ability for critical analysis during data collection & analysis
➔ Lack of Initiative to learn new topics and technologies
➔ Sceptical of new approaches, instead prioritising current trusted
approaches instead
➔ Limited ability to train new and existing staff
➔ Absence of a sufficient budget for SMART training
Sites experiencing these barriers may need to adjust their SMART use to
match their current capacity. Options include scaling down deployment
(e.g., operating staff, SMART tools, area extent), hiring additional staff,
assigning two or more SMART roles to one individual (only if this is
feasible), or explore alternative tools.

© Akdeniz Koruma Derneği / Fauna & Flora

Refer to SMART in Mid-Zambezi Valley, Zimbabwe:

Implementation challenges and practices - for a detailed
analysis of common barriers to implementation in a SMART site
Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 14
 Funding SMART Use
Before purchasing hardware, building the SMART database, training
staff, and implementing SMART, a budget should be created for both
short and long-term SMART use. Despite SMART software being free to
use, costs may be associated with the implementation and use of
SMART, and vary highly depending on proposed use. To reduce costs,
ensure that your plan for implementation and long-term use is well
researched, accounting for possible costs that arise from your application
of the steps in this guide.

Common costs associated with SMART use

• Hardware - e.g., laptops, smartphones, data storage, GNSS units
• Additional staff and/or staff hours - if required
• Training - whilst SMART provides freely-available, comprehensive
training materials suitable enough for many users, should you need to
contract external trainers, or attend in-person training, you may incur
costs.
• Maintenance - e.g., upgrading hardware, coordinating travel for
regional project workshops, training
• Additional software licences - if required, e.g., GIS licences for more
advanced spatial analysis

Identifying hidden costs

As with any technological implementation, projects often overestimate
their goals while overlooking barriers. Scope creep, misjudging current
capacity, underestimating complexities in implementation, and insufficient
testing can all lead to costly post-implementation challenges. These
unforeseen costs may be mitigated by using the described phased
implementation, detailed planning, and anticipating future contingencies
to more accurately assess the cost of implementation and long-term use.

Realistic planning and thorough foresight of needs & challenges will

help reduce the costs of SMART implementation

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 15

 Stage Three
SMART Training
© Le Khac Quyet / Fauna & Flora

Stage Three Outline

o Resources for self-learning
o Organising trainer-led training

Self-Training
Many aspects of SMART (particularly technical training) can be
self-taught, with an abundance of free online and downloadable
resources to support this…

SMART training manuals SMART Resource Library

Walkthrough-style manuals 120+ resources consisting of
showing how to use SMART manuals, handbooks, reports,
technology… webinars, tutorials and more to
help get you started with
• SMART Desktop (v7)
SMART and continue going.
• SMART Mobile
• SMART Connect
• SMART Essentials Handbook
Tutorial Videos & Webinars
The SMART Partnership YouTube
Online Training Courses channel covers a range of content
from short technical tutorials to
Interactive self-paced online
webinars discussing important
learning platform with videos
updates and information for
and presentations following
successful SMART use.
three courses aimed at…
• Technical Personnel & Field SMART Training Package
Staff A comprehensive package guiding
• Data Analysts & Database the delivery of the most
Administrators up-to-date training for SMART
• Decision-Makers users (Coming 2025).

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 16

 Trainer-Led Training

For many sites, trainer-led sessions are beneficial for advanced training &
support, conducted on-site, off-site, and even online. Topics covered are
non-exhaustive, and change depending on the project’s needs, but
common examples include…
● Training for more advanced ● Train-the-trainer schemes
features e.g., SMART Survey, ● Assisting in configuring the
Connect or Advanced Reporting SMART database
● Preparing multiple sites for ● Assisting in the
national or regional adoptions implementation of effective
SMART practices

Receiving Training from Nearby SMART Sites

Sites can leverage SMART’s large community of users to help locate
nearby conservation areas using SMART that may be able to deliver
training by…
Using the SMART map of sites: First, visit the SMART Map of Sites
and find your area. Next, locate SMART sites in your country or region
and reach out to ask if they are able to provide your site with any
training.
Contacting us: Alternatively, contact
info@[Link] with details about your site and
training needs. We will then attempt to place you in contact with nearby
sites that can help.

Private Contractor-led Training

Be aware that costs
If a nearby site that can provide the required should be budgeted for
training cannot be located, SMART may be able to cover the trainer’s time
to help contact a suitable private SMART and travel. It is also
trainer. These trainers bring the benefit of recommended to budget
many years of expertise and the ability to for training costs even
provide very advanced training. Contact us at after implementation for
info@[Link] with refresher training and site
your site and training needs for more support.
information.

Before requesting training, ensure your project has fully explored

the self-training options described on the previous page
Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 17
 Stage Four
Implementation © Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora

Stage Four Outline

Implementing your SMART Approach in a phased & tested process

Phased Implementation
Implementing technology or methods without testing can cause
considerable disruptions. Given SMART’s large scope and scale at a site,
immediate full implementation may lead to the following risks…
➔ Poor data quality as neglected problems undermine data integrity
➔ Security vulnerabilities as new patrol methods are not practised first
➔ Higher support costs as more problematic technology or procedures
must be replaced compared to a lower amount identified during testing
➔ Team frustration as staff may reject SMART if overwhelmed too early
These effects are not limited to new users, experienced SMART sites
introducing new tools or SOPs too quickly should also consider phased
implementation. New or experienced, the method below can help to
implement SMART in a reliable, proven, and controlled approach…

List data model Collect, analyse Evaluate Once all

categories by and evaluate successes and challenges with
ease of collection data for that challenges that category have
& sensitivity. For category using from the test - been resolved,
example, test relevant staff, apply insights continue using
wildlife hardware & and test the that data model
monitoring SOPs category again category
before law
enforcement as it
may be simpler Test the next listed data model category until your
and lower risk if SMART Approach has been fully implemented
mismanaged

Testing your SMART Approach is the best way to identify hidden problems whilst
minimising their consequence on site operations

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 18

 © Stephanie Foote / Fauna & Flora

Stage Five
Maintaining Effective Use
Stage Five Outline
o Evaluating the effectiveness of your SMART use
o Approaches to improve effectiveness of your SMART use

As a project progresses, effective SMART use may reduce due to the

SMART Database or SOPs becoming misaligned with contextual changes
(e.g., introduction of new threats and objectives), hardware failures, or the
lack of beginner and refresher training for staff. To respond quickly and
ensure continued effectiveness site management, regular maintenance
is highly recommended. Whilst Monitoring & Evaluation can be as
complex as needed, this simple approach will suit most sites…

SMART Maintenance Cycle

Repeat every 1-6 months; Evaluation

regular evaluations often • Use the Competence Assessment
drive faster improvements Tool (CAT) to find SMART skill
than biannual evaluations gaps in your team
• Use Reports to measure progress
towards goals

Action
Implement your
SMART-improving Reflection
strategies, for example: Gathering input from all
• Targeted refresher training SMART-using staff, identify:
(CAT data) • Successful practices and
• Data model/SOP review exemplary staff
workshops • Challenges, their root causes, and
• Rewards for exemplary use areas for improvement
• Seek external support • Solutions to overcome challenges

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 19

 Case Study: Caucasus Nature Fund (CNF) - Caucasus
Evaluating their SMART Approach for more effective use

With SMART implemented in 12

protected areas, CNF requires
strong coordination and regular
evaluations to maintain SMART
effectiveness. By hosting
region-wide workshops every 3 to 6
months, they have successfully:
• Identified struggling personnel © Caucasus Nature Fund
and provided targeted refresher
training
• Addressed emerging
challenges with proactive
guidance
• Continuously aligned their
SMART Approach with an
evolving context to maximise © Caucasus Nature Fund
effectiveness
• Rewarded staff by recognising
and celebrating exemplary work “The evaluation process
gave us the ability to
Most importantly, this approach
drives sustained motivation in their highlight the next steps
mission, enabling CNF to a site can take in their
continually elevate the quality and use of SMART” - Levan
impact of their conservation Tabunidze (CNF
efforts. Programme Officer)

Your SMART Approach should be kept aligned with site objectives and
context for more effective management

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 20

 Getting Help & Support

© Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora

Support from the SMART Community

Do you need help troubleshooting a technical

problem? Have questions about your site’s
suitability for SMART? Want to share a
successful strategy?

The SMART Community Forum contains

our global community of SMART users
who can help with most of your queries.

Support from the SMART

Partnership

Need some help locating a trainer?

Want some help locating our online
resources? Have a question about the
SMART Approach?

Send a message to
info@[Link]
© Rob Harris / Fauna & Flora

Staying updated with the latest © Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora

information
SMART has a hardworking team and
community that regularly provide
improvements to the platform. Any software
updates, new features, and resources will be
announced on the SMART Community Forum
and Instagram @smartcnsvtools. Engage
regularly to incorporate these updates to
improve your effectiveness with SMART. © Juan Pablo Moreiras / Fauna & Flora

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 21

 Glossary of Terms
Adaptive Management (AM). A systematic SMART Data Model. A nested structure that
process of continually improving defines what information rangers should be
management policies and practices by collecting (and entered into the SMART
learning from the outcomes of existing database) and forms the basis for all analysis
programmes and reporting.
Capacity. The potential for an individual, SMART Desktop. A desktop-based
team or organisation to handle a workload or application that forms the central hub of all
take on additional responsibilities. Examples SMART tools, containing analytical
could be related to skill capacity, time functions, mapping, and report generators.
capacity, or funding capacity. All SMART-using projects use SMART
Competence. The ability - including Desktop.
knowledge, skills and attitudes - of an SMART-Enabled Adaptive Management.
individual to perform adequately in a job. The combination of adaptive management
Competences related to SMART are outlined and SMART Technology for a more effective
in the SMART Competence Register. approach to conservation management
Conservation Goal. An identified target that combining the monitoring of effort, results,
is intended to be reached in conservation and threats to inform and adapt
planning, including species, habitats, management practices.
landscapes, biodiversity or ecosystem SMART Mobile. A mobile application that
services. enables data collection through a
Effectiveness. The degree to which a stated smartphone device, integrating
action has been carried out successfully. data-logging, GPS, camera, and real-time
data transfer hardware into a single device.
Implementation. The phase of a project - in
this case the deployment of the SMART SMART Approach. A combination of the
Approach - where strategies are put into site’s procedures for SMART Adaptive
action. Management (e.g., data collection protocols,
reporting schedules and data analysis
Monitoring. The process of regular data
workflows), configured SMART software,
collection and analysis to determine whether
and hardware devices (e.g., smartphones).
project objectives are being met. A single
complete monitoring routine from collecting SMART Tools. The different technologies
data, to analysis, to reporting is called a that the SMART platform can provide, all of
monitoring cycle. which can be viewed SMART Technology
page.
SMART Connect. An add-on for the online
operation of SMART, allowing users to store Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). A set
and manage data on a web-connected of instructions produced by managers for
database, enabling real-time wireless staff that outlines how to perform routine
sharing of field data, reports, queries, patrols tasks in a standardised and more effective
and more. way.
SMART Database. The designed data model, Sustained use (in relation to SMART).
GIS layers that determine spatial boundaries, Ensuring that SMART is used effectively not
patrol parameters (e.g., patrol stations, staff, just after implementation, but throughout its
and mandates), and standard queries and entire long-term use in the project.
reports that highlight desired performance
indicators.

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 22

 Authorship Note
This handbook was a
collaboration between the
SMART Partnership and
Fauna & Flora. We would like
to thank the communities of
both SMART and Fauna &
Flora for providing insights
© Hem Manita / Fauna & Flora that were invaluable to the
creation of this resource.

The SMART Partnership is a group of global

conservation agencies, conservation organizations, and
individuals that share a mission to conserve
biodiversity, reduce the impacts of illegal extraction and
trade of natural resources, strengthen law enforcement
related to biodiversity conservation and strengthen
overall management of conservation areas.

Learn more at: [Link]

Fauna & Flora is an international wildlife

conservation charity. Its shared purpose is to
protect the diversity of life on Earth, for the
survival of the planet and its people. Fauna &
Flora work closely with conservation partners in
48 countries to save nature, together. Its focus is
on protecting and restoring habitats, saving
species from extinction and developing
sustainable livelihoods for those living closest to
nature.

Learn more at: [Link]

Getting Started with the SMART Approach | 23