FRAMEwork supported paper co-authored by Finn Danielsen from consortium partner NORDECO published in BioScience.
The study, titled "The Use of Digital Platforms for Community-Based Monitoring," explores the increasing use of digital technologies in environmental observing programs based on Indigenous and local knowledge.
Community-based monitoring (CBM) programs are vital for collecting environmental data, particularly in regions where traditional scientific monitoring is challenging. These programs rely heavily on the knowledge and participation of local communities. With the advent of digital platforms, the process of collecting, archiving, and sharing CBM data has become more efficient. The study delves into how these platforms can improve data management and facilitate better understanding of larger-scale environmental patterns through integration with other platforms.
The research, drawing on published literature and a survey of 18 digital platforms, identifies both the benefits and challenges associated with their use in CBM programs. Digital platforms enhance data accessibility and technical capacity, supporting local and larger-scale decision-making processes. However, they also introduce new challenges, such as the sustainability of CBM programs and the control communities have over their data.
One of the key insights from the study is the need for ethically developed digital platforms. As communities gain more access to data and strengthen their technical capacities, there is an increasing demand for platforms that are designed with ethical considerations in mind. These platforms should support not only the efficient management of environmental data but also empower communities to make informed decisions and maintain control over their information.
The study’s findings have significant implications for the future of CBM programs. By highlighting the potential and pitfalls of digital platforms, the research provides valuable guidance for developing tools that can sustainably support environmental monitoring efforts led by local communities.
Read the full paper here.
BioScience is a peer-reviewed, monthly journal published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS). It features research articles, reviews, and essays that cover a wide range of biological disciplines, including ecology, evolution, genetics, and environmental science. The journal aims to provide comprehensive overviews of current biological research and policy issues, catering to both researchers and educators. BioScience is known for its interdisciplinary approach, connecting scientific discoveries with broader societal and environmental implications. It serves as a key resource for the latest developments and trends in the biological sciences.
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