About the toolkit
For years, leaders in Community-Based Water Monitoring (CBWM) have worked tirelessly to demonstrate their vital contributions to Canadian water management and advocate for stable, long-term support. In 2021, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) published a landmark report, A Business Case for Investment in Canadian Community-Based Water Monitoring (CBWM). Developed with input from CBWM groups across Canada, the report combined research, case studies, and financial analysis to highlight the critical importance of CBWM for informed decision-making and cost-effective water management.
While the report underscored the value of CBWM and the need for sustainable funding, it also revealed a challenge: many CBWM organizations struggle to fully quantify and communicate their impact.
This is where the Toolkit steps in.
Acknowledgements
Water Rangers is the steward of this Business Case Toolkit.
The Community-based Water Monitoring Collaborative initiated this project. We would like to acknowledge the guidance and feedback provided by members of the Collaborative: Water Rangers, Our Living Waters, Lake Winnipeg Foundation, Living Lakes Canada, Forum for Leadership on Water (FLOW), RAH2050, WWF Canada, Atlantic Waters Network, Gordon Foundation, ROBVQ, G3E, ACAP St. John, Kaska Land Guardians.
A special thanks goes to Geoff Gunn and the IISD, along with Our Living Waters, for their leadership work and the production of the business case report.
And to those who supported the process, reviewed, and tested the toolkit.
This guidebook would like to thank Phase 1 participants who helped scope and develop tools, conducted key interviews with CBWM professionals, and organized workshops to determine toolkit needs.
EcoPlan International (EPI) provided support to draft the Guidebook.
Thanks to our generous funders: Investment Readiness Fund, Makeway, and RBC
Indigenous Caretakers Acknowledgement
Before delving into the guidebook on Community Based Water Monitoring, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the traditional caretakers and stewards of the land on which our activities unfold. This acknowledgment is not just a formality – it holds deep significance for our collective journey. The land we stand on has a rich history, woven by the Indigenous peoples who have been its custodians for generations. Their profound connection to the water, earth, and sky has shaped the cultural tapestry of this region. By acknowledging their role, we pay homage to the wisdom they carry, and the invaluable knowledge passed down through centuries. Recognition of the caretakers of the land is a step toward building respectful relationships. Regardless of the organizational structure of your CBWM group, understanding and honoring the historical and ongoing connection of Indigenous peoples with the land fosters collaboration and mutual respect, setting the tone for genuine partnerships based on trust and shared stewardship. Acknowledging the caretakers of the land is not just a nod to the past; it's a commitment to responsible engagement in the present. It establishes the groundwork for collaborative, culturally sensitive water monitoring programs that benefit the entire community. In recognizing the importance of this acknowledgment, we embrace a journey of learning, understanding, and shared responsibility. Let this be the starting point for a CBWM initiative that not only safeguards our water resources but also contributes to the broader goals of reconciliation, cultural preservation, and sustainable community development.
A practical tool for CBWM leaders
The Toolkit builds on the IISD’s foundational work, providing CBWM organizations and Indigenous guardian and stewardship programs with a step-by-step framework to evaluate their programs and craft a compelling Case for Investment. Unlike traditional approaches focused solely on economic metrics, this methodology begins with what truly matters: human values.
By following the Toolkit, organizations can:
- Highlight meaningful benefits in ways that resonate with funders and stakeholders.
- Translate program impacts into dollar equivalents to demonstrate financial value, including return-on-investment (ROI) metrics.
- Foster better conversations with funders, governments, and within their own organizations.
At its heart, the Guidebook empowers CBWM groups to articulate their impact effectively, improving outcomes for communities and ecosystems alike.
Who is the Guidebook for?
The Guidebook is designed for CBWM organizations and their partners, including governments, agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and Indigenous governance programs. Whether you’re leading community-led initiatives, conducting research, or managing large-scale programs, this resource provides tools and insights to elevate your efforts.
While its focus is on Canada, audiences in the USA, UK and around the world will also find this Toolkit valuable for advancing water monitoring and stewardship initiatives.
Purpose of the Case for Investment
Community-Based Water Monitoring (CBWM) is a proven, cost-effective, and scientifically sound approach to gathering data on water quality, hydrological patterns, and the impact of human activities on aquatic ecosystems. Across large areas like watersheds, CBWM groups play a vital role in protecting water quality and promoting environmental health. However, their contributions are often underappreciated by key stakeholders, including funders and decision-makers.
The Case for Investment is designed to bridge this gap by clearly communicating the value and benefits of CBWM programs, ensuring they secure the resources needed for sustainability.
Thank you to our sponsors
This toolkit would not have been possible without the generosity of our community and our financial sponsors.
