This is one of the two most widely used/adapted globally applicable generic systems developed to assess protected area management effeciveness. It is used to report progress towards the Convention on Biological Diversity. METT been designed to track and monitor progress towards worldwide protected area management effectiveness.

The methodology is a rapid assessment based on a scorecard questionnaire. The scorecard includes all six elements of management identified in the IUCN-WCPA. Framework (context, planning, inputs, process, outputs and outcomes), but has an emphasis on context, planning, inputs and processes. It is basic and simple to use, and provides a mechanism for monitoring progress towards more effective management over time. It is used to enable park managers and donors to identify needs, constraints and priority actions to improve the effectiveness of protected area management.

METT can be used as a donor / treasury evaluation, to improve management (adaptive management), and for accountability / audit.

Protected areas receiving funding from the World Bank or from the Global Environment Facility are asked to complete the METT as part of the assessment of project activities. Similarly protected areas which are also designated under international conventions such as the World Heritage Convention and Ramsar Convention are also being asked to undertake convention specific reporting.