PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Collaborative Monitoring Initiative (CMI) initially began as a six-month pilot partnership between POLIS, the BC Freshwater Legacy Initiative, and Watersheds BC. It successfully grew into a nascent province-wide hub for information on community-based monitoring and data management, as well as peer-to-peer support.
As a result of CMI’s growth over a period of one and half years, the initiative transitioned to become part of Living Lakes Canada’s programming with the aim of continuing to work to identify opportunities for community-based water monitoring (CBWM) data. These opportunities include incorporating CBWM data into planning and decision making, collaborating with the government agencies on CBWM data collecting, and harmonizing Western science and Indigenous Knowledge through CBWM efforts.
In 2023, Living Lakes Canada published a report showcasing five data use cases from various CBWM groups. The report demonstrates the value of CBWM data and provides guidance to CBWM programs and collaborators in data application. Read the report below or view and download the PDF.
SUMMARY OF CMI SUCCESES:
- Outreach to over 20 Indigenous and non-Indigenous community-based groups to better understand their needs and how CMI might provide support around coordination to impact decision-making.
- Development of a Community of Practice approach, while building a broad network, to assist groups in elevating their scientific and collaborative capacities, including webinars and workshops, advisory services, and development of a web platform with tools and guidance.
- Development of case studies aimed at illustrating the pathways to capacity- and competency-building among community-based monitoring groups (see Resources).
- Engagement with the provincial government to support coordination, identify areas of alignment, share information, and provide insight on long-term support for regional monitoring groups, including by supporting the development of the provincial Watershed Security Strategy mandate.
CONTACT
Paige Thurston, Program Manager paige@livinglakescanada.ca
Banner photo by Salt Spring Island Freshwater Catalogue Project.
Resources
- Data Management System Options for Community-Based Water Monitoring Groups: A Collaborative Monitoring Initiative Guide
- Mobilizing Indigenous Knowledge in Resource Management Settings: A Practical Guide
- CMI Water Data Management Webinar: Indigenous Knowledge Aspects of Community Based Water Monitoring & Data Management (April, 2022)
- Webinar Summary: Indigenous Knowledge Aspects of Community-Based Water Monitoring & Data Management
- CMI Water Data Management Webinar: Planning & Sharing (January, 2022)
- Webinar Summary: Planning & Sharing
- CMI Water Data Management Webinar for Community Based Monitoring Groups (October, 2021)
- Webinar Summary: Water Data Management Webinar for Community Based Monitoring Groups
- Improving Environmental Monitoring Collaborations Through Co-development of Data Management Plans: A Guide for Resource Management Agencies and Environmental Stewardship Groups
Funders & Contributors
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