Ullrika Sahlin

This reportis an external evaluation of the scientific basis of the Norwegian assessment system for ecological condition, commissioned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Two assessment methods are currently used for various terrestsrial and marine ecosystem: the Panel-Based Assessment of Ecological Condition (PAEC) and the Index-Based Ecological Condition Assessment (IBECA). The purpose of the evaluation is to scrutinise and compare the respective scientific strengths and weaknesses of the two assessment methods, as well as the assessments carried out since 2017, and to evaluate the suitability of the two assessment methods for evidence-based policy-making. The evaluation should cover possible improvements and adjustments to the assessment system regarding methods and scientific design, including opportunities and dilemmas, and "as far as the available information permits" discuss the role of the two assessment methods as basis for decisions in policy and management including any limitations of the knowledge base. All these aims are well covered in the report.

The evaluation panel has consisted of seven international experts, coordinated by the Norwegian Research Council. The panel has evaluated twelve PAEC and IBECA reports including an advisory report setting the framework conditions for the assessment system. Three peer-reviewed articles describining the respective methods have been considiered. Further, the panel has interviewed five experts involved in the assessments and 14 stakeholders to better understand the methods for assessment and the potential use of the assessment results for policy and management.

The evaluation ends with proposing specific recommendations both to the PAEC and IBECA methods and to the Ministry.