Timing and frequency
When?
In temperate climates, it is recommended to do these tests in Spring when seeds and animals come out of winter dormancy and begin their reproductive and nesting activities.
In rainy season-driven, non-temperate ecosystems with a less obvious Spring, we suggest monitoring during or at the end of rainy seasons.
- For North Hemisphere & South tropical region): April/May
- For South Hemisphere & Nord tropical region): October/November
First, we need to create our “Baseline data” which represents a ‘starting point’ or background against which change can be measured in time. If ecosystem restoration activities are already being implemented, then baseline data can be collected from a site resembling how the restoration area was being managed before the restoration work began. In other words, we advise collecting data from “baseline sites” to represent pre-restoration conditions.
How often?
In terms of data collection frequency, it is up to you how regularly you conduct these tests, but it is recommended that it happens at least 3 times within the first restoration cycle of 5 years (for example at year 0, after 1 year and after 5 years).
The appropriate frequency also depends on: 1) the specific indicators (some ecological attributes have a faster rate of change, while others vary slowly) and 2) the natural conditions of an ecosystem (like seasonal and weather patterns). Generally, change occurs faster in warm/moist tropical ecosystems than in more temperate or boreal regions.
It is recommended that restoration projects use M&E data and reports from the first 5 years, to reassess/update their vision, evaluate project goals, and adapt management accordingly. Depending on the degree of recovery achieved and the resources secured for M&E, we advise extending monitoring efforts over the longer term: collecting data every 3 or 5 years, for 15 years.
Action Learning 2.1: Take now some time to create your own Monitoring & Evaluation plan:
- What are the implementations you are doing and want to monitor?
- Time: for how many years?
- Data collection frequency: how often you will execute the plan?