Fundamentals of Environmental Monitoring

In partnership with Sustainability Resources Ltd and the Canadian Oil Sands Innovation Alliance, in the fall of 2014 we offered courses on Environmental Monitoring for non-scientists. Environmental Monitoring Programs are essential for assessing the effects of development on the environment and linking environmental health to policy and management. In order to be effective, a good monitoring program requires not only sound scientific rationale but the participation of and endorsement of stakeholders who also have an interest in environmental quality. Multi-stakeholder groups are often tasked with setting monitoring priorities and providing input into the monitoring design. This process can be contentious, and frustrating for those without a monitoring background.