In 2007, the ABMI was incorporated as an arm’s length, not-for-profit scientific organization, and launched its business of providing scientifically credible products and services on Alberta’s biodiversity and human footprint to provincial government, industry, and environmental decision-makers. The Science Review evaluated the degree to which the ABMI has delivered on its scientific goals and objectives over the subsequent 10 years.
To quickly view output documents from the Science Review, click below. Or, scroll down to learn more about the Science Review process and output.
External reviewers expressed a high level of confidence in the ABMI’s program design and concluded that there are no fatal flaws in its approach to biodiversity monitoring. They observed that ten years is a relatively short time period in the context of monitoring biodiversity and encouraged the ABMI to continue its efforts.
External reviewers advised that, if challenged to find savings, the ABMI should consider a Value of Information approach that considers how much information is “enough” to make policy decisions. For example, it may be possible to reduce the frequency or geographic extent of sampling in some areas, in exchange for targeted sampling in others.
During 2017, ABMI staff and contractors evaluated the ABMI’s various scientific activities such as sampling design, protocol development, and data analysis. The team involved created a final synthesis report describing the extent to which the ABMI had met its scientific program goals. ABMI Science Directors, Dr. Jim Schieck and Dr. Stan Boutin, oversaw the process to ensure its comprehensiveness and accuracy.
The final report was then submitted to an external Science Expert Committee (SEC) for review. The SEC comprised independent scientific experts with diverse ecological backgrounds, strong analytical skills, and extensive experience with environmental
monitoring. Experts were chosen to span the breadth of species, habitat, and landscape elements surveyed by the ABMI.The SEC created their own short report providing scientific evaluation of the analyses and conclusions reached in the longer report.
The SEC report, along with the long report produced by ABMI staff and contractors, was forwarded to the 10-year review Steering Committee, in addition to the SAG report, for consideration. Based on these reports, the Steering Committee developed its recommendations for the ABMI’s future operations, which were then presented to the ABMI Board of Directors.
Dr. Robert Brooks
Pennsylvania State University
Dr. Rob Rempel
Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Dr. Kirsten de Beurs
University of Oklahoma
Dr. Thomas J. Givnish
University of Wisconsin–Madison
Dr. Thomas Nudds
University of Guelph
Jeff Bellinger
External Facilitator
Nichols Applied Management
10-year Science REview
Overall, the SEC concluded that, in its first 10 years of formal operations, the ABMI has exceeded expectations, delivered on its goals and objectives, and provided a service that is extremely beneficial to stakeholders and the public alike.
10-year Science REview
The SEC expressed a high level of confidence in the ABMI’s program design and concluded that there are no fatal flaws in its approach to biodiversity monitoring. Notwithstanding, the SEC also identified several areas for potential improvement and increased efficiency.
10-year Science REview
The SEC identified other areas for consideration, including the significant positive value of the ABMI’s province-wide monitoring grid; the need to plan for a changing climate; and the ongoing need to balance strong science with the information needs of the ABMI’s stakeholders.
The ABMI’s 10-year Science and Program Review was built around listening to our partners and stakeholders. We welcome questions, comments, or suggestions about the review process or output.
We track changes in Alberta's wildlife and habitats from border to border, and provide ongoing, relevant, scientifically credible information on Alberta's living resources. For our province's land use decision-makers. For Alberta's future land stewards. For Albertans.