The primary operational attributes of an integrated monitoring, evaluation and reporting system include a focus on data management and the dissemination of the resulting knowledge and information.
data management
Standardized policies, processes and procedures for the management of data and information are the foundation of efficient data management. Many jurisdictions and organizations have established policies and procedures governing access to and use of data and information, along with custodial guidelines and information management strategies. A primary goal is the creation of accurate, consistent and transparent data content, emphasizing data precision, granularity and meaning. Equally important is the integration of content into business applications and how it is shared between processes and partners.
Achieving these goals starts with the development and implementation of a data policy that:
> Provides best practice quality assurance mechanisms that produce validated, well documented data sets that meet priority information requirements; > Archives collected data, ensuring data are available for multiple uses,
safeguarding and securing data for future use, conforming to data policy; > Improves the effectiveness and efficiency of policy and program development
through the coordination of data and information activities;
> Provides timely, accurate and up-to-date data, information, and information products to support a wide range of activities; and
> Ensures that data and information are easily accessible to a wide range of users in a timely fashion.
Recommendation 7:
ScientificOversightandRigor
The Panel recommends that science be the primary driver of the design and execution of
monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities. All monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities must demonstrate scientific rigor and continually adapt to environmental change, local and regional needs, evolving scientific knowledge and advances in technology.
To meet Alberta’s needs now and into the future, the environmental data management system must take a holistic approach to data collection, integration and management. Since the value of a data set is increased by increasing the capacity to collect data across a range of spatial and temporal scales, new methods for data acquisition, analysis, management and reporting should be developed and applied to reduce costs. Examples include development and implementation of remote sensing protocols for data collection, or machine learning protocols for remote detection of trends or alarms. Various data management functions are needed to ensure data credibility, relevance and legitimacy. Several of these functions are overarching and apply to all parts of a world class monitoring, evaluation and reporting system: quality assurance; quality control; metadata; documentation; and excellence in human resources, organization and management. Others are functional needs that apply specifically to data management: data security and back-up; data processing and storage; and data handling processes.
information and Reporting
A key purpose of the monitoring system is to provide information on Alberta’s environment to support policy development, regulatory processes and responsible environmental management. The monitoring system must provide trusted, value- neutral, and authoritative information about the health of Alberta’s environment. The value that the environmental monitoring system brings to stakeholders will only be fully realized with appropriate information dissemination activities. Information dissemination involves distributing information to stakeholders, managing information requests from stakeholders, and communicating with the media, public and clients. This function should support:
> Formulation of public policy in the areas of cumulative effects, land use planning and specific aspects such as water, energy, agricultural and climate change policy;
> Stewardship management and reporting at provincial, regional and municipal levels. This will contribute to better knowledge and understanding of status and trends, market-based instruments for conservation and stewardship, reclamation, and monitoring of ecological goods and services;
> The research community by providing access to raw data; access to modeling and analysis tools; tools that can assist collaboration; and news and links to related academic and research institutions; and
> Public awareness through environmental literacy campaigns, environmental interest stories in the media, government relations and brand awareness.
Dissemination activities will provide stakeholders with access to raw data, summarized data, reports, website applications, and other forms of information. Information should be shared primarily through an electronic portal that is consistent with today’s communications technologies and coupled with additional complementary communications activities. Tools that could be used for this purpose include: a website and information portal, traditional media, printed and online reports, social media, presentations to stakeholders, public relations, stakeholder workshops and meetings, and linkages with other portals and agencies with sources of expertise.
The dissemination of high quality, trusted information will build the profile and establish the brand of Alberta’s environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting system.
Recommendation 8:
DataManagement,InformationandReporting
The Panel recommends that Alberta’s environmental monitoring, evaluation and reporting system include a coordinated, publicly accessible data management system for baseline monitoring data, compliance monitoring data and effects monitoring data, with protocols to ensure transparency in data collection, analysis, reporting, and conveyance to government.
TheAlbertaEnvironmental
MonitoringCommission
The Alberta Environmental Monitoring Panel considered and discussed the values, principles, attributes and challenges of a new environmental monitoring system. The Panel agreed that a world class monitoring, evaluation and reporting system must demonstrate scientific and operational excellence to deliver high quality information and earn the respect of a wide range of stakeholders. The Panel believes a new agency, the Alberta Environmental Monitoring Commission, is the best mechanism to deliver world class results.