Community-based monitoring for environmental sustainability: A review of characteristics and the synthesis of criteria. (1st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muhamad Khair, Nur Khairlida; Lee, Khai Ern; Mokhtar, Mazlin
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 289(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07-01
• Subjects: Community-based monitoring -- Citizen science -- Characteristics -- Criteria -- Sustainability; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112491
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: Community-based monitoring is increasingly recognised as one solution to sustainable environmental management. However, the development of community-based monitoring has led to confusion or misconceptions regarding other similar initiatives. Through a review of the characteristics and synthesising criteria of effective community-based monitoring, this article addresses how to distinguish community-based monitoring from other forms of community engagement research. A review of relevant community-based monitoring literature identifies the characteristics of and knowledge gaps in procedures and governance structures. Additionally, evidence of common benefits, challenges and lessons learned for successful community-based monitoring are deliberated. As an outcome of the review, the article synthesises a set of community-based monitoring criteria as follows: (1) efficacy of initiatives, (2) technicality aspects, (3) feedback mechanisms and (4) sustainability. These synthesised criteria will be instrumental in designing customised community-based monitoring initiatives for environmental sustainability. Highlights: CBM is increasingly recognised as solution to sustainable environmental management. The design of CBM should consider community motivation and capacity. CBM criteria: efficacy, technicality, feedback mechanisms and sustainability. Effective CBM should couple with sound implementation mechanisms.