Background
The growth of ocean accounting combined with the international recognition of the usefulness of accounts and the applicability of these methods to a range of economic developmental and ocean sustainability issues has seen an exponential increase in demand for the support offered by the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership (GOAP) and associated Secretariat and Partners.
In line with GOAP Secretariat’s commitment to continuous improvement and accountability to Members and the global ocean accounting community, GOAP recently underwent a comprehensive mid-term evaluation. This was the first evaluation in the five year history of the Partnership.
Drawing on consultations with 53 individuals across GOAP’s stakeholder network, the evaluation assessed the Partnership's relevance, performance, management, and impact at both national and international levels.
The assessment examined several critical dimensions of GOAP work, including:
- The effectiveness and appropriateness of our country-based implementation approach
- GOAP’s routes to impact at national, regional, and international levels
- The alignment of GOAP work with member and country objectives
- GOAP approach to supporting gender equity and social inclusion
- The achievement of intended outcomes and impacts across our program areas
- The sustainability and diversity of GOAP funding arrangements
- The effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives, including the GOAP fellows programme
- Contribution to creating enabling environments for ocean accounting
- Role in influencing the international accounting agenda and sustainable ocean planning
The evaluation findings were overwhelmingly positive, validating GOAP's approach and impact in advancing ocean accounting globally. The evaluation highlighted a range of challenges the Secretariat and wider Partnership face, including the significant gap in funding from March 2026. It also made a number of recommendations for improvement in functioning and ways to increase impact.
The management response outlines the Secretariat’s formal response to the evaluation findings and details planned actions to address the recommendations. It is recognised additional actions may be required by Members of the Partnership which are not within the competence of the Secretariat and are a decision for individual Members. As the Secretariat, we are committed to implementing these responses in a way that strengthens support for ocean accounting globally and enhances our ability to serve Members and stakeholders alike.
Find the full Evaluation Report below:
And the Management team's response, approved by GOAP's Co-Chairs:
Should you have any questions about any of the findings or conclusions, please contact the GOAP Secretariat (info@oceanaccounts.org).
