The Model for CBWM

CBWM is a participatory process of linking a community group to appropriate technologies for understanding, protecting and managing their watershed.  Each monitoring program should be adapted to the unique biophysical, social and political features of a region.

Credible Data

Local environmental data are frequently unavailable, hindering the development of customized, natural resource management plans.  Community-based data have the potential to describe watershed processes and trends that can significantly enhance local planning and action.  Monitoring groups should gradually take on increasing responsibilities for collecting, managing, interpreting and distributing their data. 
 The data collected must be credible and useful.  Its reliability needs to be demonstrated with some level of quality control and assurance that includes protocols for conducting standardized training, evaluation of monitor skills, test kit maintenance and data processing, interpretation and dissemination.  Timely feedback of data to the community in understandable ways is essential.

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