Empirical appraisal of Jiulong River Watershed Management Program

► Periodic evaluation of watershed programs is essential to refine the strategies and action plans. ► The successes, failures and implementation gaps of JRWP are symmetrically evaluated. ► The empirical appraisal shows that JRWP does not fully achieve its desired objectives. ► Failure of the JRWP is associated with the socioeconomic and political complications. ► Watershed program design must consider the specific socioeconomic and political situation.