Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process for Decision-Making in Ecosystem Management

Abstract

Land management activities on public lands combine multiple objectives in order to create a plan of action over a finite time horizon. Because management activities are constrained by time and money, it is critical to make the best use of available agency resources. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) offers a structure for multi-objective decisionmaking so that decision- makers' preferences can be formally incorporated in seeking potential solutions. The AHP helps managers develop priority values for all projects, which are then used as each project's contribution to the value of an overall I&M program. These priorities, along with budget and personnel constraints, are formulated as a zero/one integer programming problem that can be solved to select those projects that produce the best overall program. An example illustrates how this approach is being applied to I&M projects in national parks in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Citation

Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Peterson, David L. 1997. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process for Decision-Making in Ecosystem Management. Analysis Notes - WO/Ecosystem Management Analysis Center. 7(1): 17-22.