- Evaluation: Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–2025 of National Parks and Protected Areas.
- Conducted By: Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Scope: Assessed 438 National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries across India.
- Assessment Criteria: Biodiversity conservation, management performance, and ecological sustainability.
🥇 Top Rankings
| Category | Rank/Rating | State/Park | Score | Key Takeaway |
| Top State | 1st | Kerala | 76.22% | Only state rated “Very Good” (Highest rating category). |
| Top Protected Area (PA) | 1st (Shared) | Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) | 92.97% | Shared top spot with Dachigam NP (J&K). |
| 2nd Best PA | 2nd | Mathikettan Shola National Park (Kerala) | 90.63% | Among the highest-scoring individual PAs. |
✨ Kerala’s Leadership
- Overall Rating: The state was the only one to achieve the highest category rating: “Very Good.”
- Underlying Factors: The recognition underscores Kerala’s leadership in:
- Wildlife Protection.
- Habitat Management (e.g., Shola-grassland biome).
- Community-led Conservation Efforts.
📊 Explanation of the Ranking
The ranking is based on the results of the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) for 2020–2025, which is a comprehensive assessment of how well Protected Areas (PAs) are managed.
1. The MEE Framework
The evaluation utilises the globally accepted framework set by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). It assesses PAs against 30 “Headline Indicators” under 6 core elements, ensuring that:
- Conservation goals are being met.
- Resources and systems (e.g., staff, budget, planning) are adequate.
- Key values (biodiversity, habitats) are protected.
2. Rating Categories
The MEE scores are classified into four categories:
| Rating Category | Score Range | Significance |
| Very Good | 75% and above | High management effectiveness and good conservation outcomes. |
| Good | 60% – 74% | Generally effective management, with some areas for improvement. |
| Fair | 41% – 59% | Management needs significant strengthening. |
| Poor | Up to 40% | Ineffective management with urgent conservation issues. |
3. Kerala’s Achievement
- State-Level: Kerala’s mean score of 76.22% placed it in the “Very Good” category, making it the top state in the country and the only state to achieve this highest rating.
- Individual Park Level:
- Eravikulam National Park (92.97%) was ranked the best-managed PA in India (shared top spot), showcasing excellence in the conservation of its flagship species, the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Mathikettan Shola National Park (90.63%) also scored exceptionally high, reflecting effective management of its unique Shola-grassland ecosystems.
This performance signifies strong operational planning, resource mobilisation, and commitment to conservation by Kerala’s forest and wildlife management authorities.