ABSTRACT
As discussed in Chapter 2, good socio-economic assessments, i.e. assessments based on a range of qualitative, quantitative and monetary evidence, can help to make the case for establishing and appropriately managing PAs. With perhaps the exception of academic studies, assessments should not, however, be considered as an end in themselves: the final success of an assessment should be measured based on the implementation of results. The time and effort put into an assessment can be jeopardised by a lack of planning relating to how results are likely to be used and communicated. Thus, although focusing on these aspects will clearly take place towards the end of an assessment, the uptake and communication of results should be considered throughout the process, ideally including development of a dedicated plan at the start of the assessment process.
