Effects of spatial autocorrelation and sampling design on estimates of protected area effectiveness
Estimating the effectiveness of protected areas in reducing deforestation is useful to support management decisions. This information helps underpin whether to invest in better management of areas already protected or to create new ones. Statistical matching is commonly used to assess this effectiveness, but regional differences in protection effectiveness and the presence of spatial autocorrelation are frequently overlooked. We assessed methods to estimate the effectiveness of protected areas, using Colombia as a case study.