INTAROS Community-based Monitoring Experience Exchange Workshop Report, Fairbanks, Alaska, May 10, 2017.

Abstract

The workshop “Engaging Community-based Monitoring in Decision-Making and Assessment” was held May 10, 2017, in Fairbanks, Alaska. It offered an opportunity for practitioners of community-based monitoring (CBM) and observing programs to come together to exchange experiences and perspectives. Representatives from 10 CBM programs from Alaska and Canada were in attendance. Additional participants included researchers and government officials currently involved in CBM. The workshop was held at the University of Alaska Fairbanks International Arctic Research Center (IARC) as part of the Week of the Arctic activities that concluded the U.S. Arctic Council Chairmanship. Representatives from Arctic Council Working Groups, Alaska and US agencies, and the public were invited to a two-hour dialogue immediately following the workshop focusing on the use of CBM in decision-making and assessment. The workshop concluded that there are many excellent CBM programs in Alaska and beyond. They are actively documenting observations of a wide range of phenomena. While much progress has been made in this field, additional coordination and investment is needed. This can facilitate the ability of CBM programs to contribute relevant data and information in order to address the climate crisis that Alaska Native peoples are experiencing. Continued work and engagement is required to further develop responsive CBM programs in the Arctic. CBM programs are critical to support Alaska Native peoples in building a sustainable future that preserves culture and community. The proceedings describe the discussions at the workshop and dialogue and it outlines some of the good practices and needs that were identified.