The 6th Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves (MEE-TR 2026) was launched in New Delhi to assess the management of all 58 notified tiger reserves in India.
It is organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
MEE assesses planning, resources, management processes, conservation outcomes and community participation, not just tiger numbers.
The evaluation follows the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) framework and covers six elements: context, planning, inputs, processes, outputs and outcomes.
MEE-TR 2026 introduces a dedicated Solid Waste Management (SWM) criterion and greater use of satellite data and geo-tagged field records.
The evaluation also includes local communities and youth, with greater focus on village relocation and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).