Community Monitoring of Natural Resource Systems and the Environment

Human knowledge on the status and trends of natural resources, ecosystem services and species on earth is increasing, but remains limited. Community monitoring can track environmental phenomena, natural resource management processes, and resource use. It can also contribute to planning and decision-making and empower community members in resource management. While community monitoring addressing the environment crisis is growing, community monitoring also gathers data on other global challenges: climate change, social welfare, and health. Some environmental community monitoring programs are challenged by limited collective action and citizen participation, insufficient state responsiveness to data and proposals, and lack of sustainability over time. Additionally, community members monitoring the environment are increasingly harassed, and sometimes killed. Community monitoring is more effective with stronger efforts to meet community information needs, enable conflict resolution, and strengthen self-determination. Other promising areas for development are further incorporation of governance issues, embracing integrated approaches at the community level, and establishing stronger links to national and global frameworks.