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Module
8 between NHI and SHIs, and it is only through NHI certification that an SHI receives funding.

In this case, the tangible indicator is the SoE report, but interim continuity in the process is
ensured by the NHI, as their ultimate evaluation is based on the number of reports they
supported. As for the imperatives at the state level, a careful selection of SHIs is essential for
9-12 December, 2013 a close monitoring of the actors/institutions involved, and will deliver results.
the success of this programme. A proactive SHI, with its linkages and wherewithal, will ensure

Overall response to the programme has been mixed, but SHIs that have taken this initiative
seriously are establishing benchmarks for all states, even those that are less responsive.

Some progressive states, such as Punjab, Chandigarh and Kerala, have successfully produced
SoEs, and are working towards their next products, focusing on emerging environmental
challenges.

Monitoring and evaluation of an IEA process enhances communication between the cycle of scientific
data collection and processing, and the cycle of policy making. This “coupling” function can help to ensure
that evidence originating from either scientific or indigenous knowledge is fed into policy making early
enough. Because it can take decades and a series of political cycles to develop the right set of policies
after discovery of the first evidence of an emerging environmental problem, the role of monitoring
cannot be overstated.

Without an impact strategy (Module 3) and monitoring and evaluation (Module 8), the IEA process
could run the risk of not being able to influence policy making.

2 Foundation of Effective Monitoring and Elevation

In Section 2, you will start developing your monitoring and evaluation plan in three steps. First, you will
learn about different purposes of evaluation, then decide the purpose of yours. Second, you will identify
the primary users of your evaluation, people whose perception is critical as to whether your evaluation

gets used and fed into the planning cycle. Third, you will decide whether external or internal evaluators
serve best your purpose.

2.1 Purpose

With regard to intended purpose, there are three fundamental types of evaluation. They can: render
judgment, encourage improvement and generate new knowledge (Patton 1997).

12 Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Improvement and Increased
Impact of the IEA Process