Development of a multi-scale monitoring programme: approaches for the Arctic and lessons learned from the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme 2002-2022

• Published in: Frontiers in Conservation Science
• Main Authors: Tom Barry, Tom Christensen, Carolina Behe, Catherine Coon, Joseph M. Culp, Dag Vongraven, Sierra Fletcher, Micheal Gill, Willem Goedkoop, Reidar Hindrum, Cynthia Jacobson, Tahzay Jones, Kári Fannar Lárusson, Jennifer Lento, Mark Marissink, Donald McLennan, Courtney Price, Mia Rönkä, Michael Svoboda, Inge Thaulow, Jason Taylor, Susse Wegeberg, Niels Martin Schmidt, Risa Smith, Ævar Petersen
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023
• Subjects: Ecosystem-Based Management; Indigenous Knowledge; co-production of knowledge; CAFF; Arctic Council; Arctic; General. Including nature conservation; geographical distribution; QH1-199.5; Arctic biodiversity; Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcosc.2023.1220521; https://doaj.org/article/0570194c520146c095253786a3e3a1ce

The Arctic Council working group, the Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) established the Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Programme (CBMP), an international network of scientists, governments, Indigenous organizations, and conservation groups working to harmonize and integrate efforts to extend and develop monitoring and assessment of the Arctic’s biodiversity. Its relevance stretches beyond the Arctic to a broad range of regional and global initiatives and agreements. This paper describes the process and approach taken in the last two decades to develop and implement the CBMP. It documents challenges encountered, lessons learnt, and solutions, and considers how it has been a model for national, regional, and global monitoring programmes; explores how it has impacted Arctic biodiversity monitoring, assessment, and policy and concludes with observations on key issues and next steps. The following are overarching prerequisites identified in the implementation of the CBMP: effective coordination, sufficient and sustained funding, improved standards and protocols, co-production of knowledge and equitable involvement of IK approaches, data management to facilitating regional analysis and comparisons, communication and outreach to raising awareness and engagement in the programme, ensuring resources to engage in international fora to ensuring programme implementation.