Any future MA assessments should strive to ensure that:
• Broad consultations are conducted during the design phase.
• Project objectives are consistent with the availability of time and resources.
• Decision and policy makers are involved from an early stage if they are expected to act on the results.
• If sub-global assessments are included, adequate resources and time should be budgeted for their design and implementation.
• Activities best carried out in sequence should not be forced into parallel implementation by timing or resource constraints.
• Honorariums should be provide for developing country participants if possible.
• A capacity building program for junior scientists should be included.
• Specific capacity building may be needed to engage government staff expected to ultimately implement approaches developed.
• Government participation should go beyond environment ministries to involve key decision makers in national planning and finance as well as all sectors with an impact on ecosystem management.
• Exceptionally able Project staff are essential.
• Effective use is made of the global community of scientists that emerged as a result of the MA process.
