Community-Based Monitoring and Engagement

We work collaboratively with communities throughout Alberta on projects driven by community interests and objectives.

The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute’s Community-Based Monitoring and Engagement Unit (CBME) is a grassroots initiative that works with Indigenous communities interested in biodiversity monitoring. We work collaboratively with Indigenous communities throughout Alberta and beyond on projects driven by Indigenous community interests and objectives.

The ABMI provides support for various stages of project development, including proposal writing, study design, capacity development, data processing, data analysis, and communication of results.

Respecting the privacy and intellectual property of the communities we work with is an integral part of the CBME’s principles.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Beaver Lake Cree Nation Camera Monitoring Program

Beaver Lake Cree Nation (BLCN), a Wood Cree community located in Treaty 6 territory near Lac la Biche, is building an independently-run wildlife monitoring program. Established in 2021 and still growing, this long-term effort will help BLCN understand changes in wildlife that are important to community members, integrate with regional Oil Sands Monitoring (OSM) work, and expand skills and experience within the BLCN community.

How We Work Together
Our project development support includes proposal writing, study design, capacity development, data processing, data analysis, and communication of results.
Training and Monitoring Program Development

Remote camera and autonomous recording unit (ARU) training and monitoring program development.

Online Training

Remote camera and ARU online training curriculum for Indigenous communities.

Monitoring Training

Wetland monitoring training.

Development of Indigenous-led Indicators

Engagement and scoping sessions to develop Indigenous-led indicators sensitive to environmental stressors.