Why be excited about this training course
CORDIO East Africa & GCRMN Data Standards Working Group
11 August 2023
Previous steps
If you would like to revisit the overview of this module, please click here.
Context
One of the key strengths of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) is that it enables information gathered by “grass roots” monitoring programmes to be assimilated and communicated to global policy-makers.
So, a key motivation for participating in this course is that it will help ensure your data can inform these global processes!
Periodically, the GCRMN has provided global reports on the status and trends of coral reefs. However, the process of producing these reports was largely manual, where regional chapters and global synopsis was done by compiling reports and published articles that provided the basis of a global outlook and recommendations.
In 2019, the GCRMN decided to produce a data-driven global synthesis report by assembling information from regional assessments (e.g. Caribbean, West Indian Ocean, Western & Central Pacific, et cetera). This was a brave and significant undertaking, representing the first global synthesis based on actual coral reef monitoring data.
The global analysis and regional assessments highlighted the need to increase the capacity of the regional nodes and “grass roots” data providers.
As part of a regional assessment for the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP), a training course on data analysis and coral reef monitoring was provided for early career researchers in the region. The main objective of this course was to provide base capability in the region to be able to update monitoring data, visualise and synchronise results. This experience also highlighted other benefits of having greater data handling capability for the regional node, value of collaborative networks, and knowledge exchange.
The design of this data training course for the WIO region was largely based on this experience.
Additional Motivations
Knowledge management & Reproducible results. As part of this course, we will be learning some tools that allow for the data management process to be fully documented and reproducible. This helps ensuring the robustness of monitoring results and the longevity of the data - if properly documented, others can build on your experience and continually improve the process.
“Scaling” of code. One benefit of coding a data management process is that it is “scaleable” - a routine that works for 100 rows at 1 site should work for 10,000 rows at many sites. We will be learning techniques for “semi-automating” the data cleaning & standardisation process, production of visual graphics, and reports.
Network development & collaborative opportunities. From our experience with the ETP training course, there were a number of collaborative opportunities and strengthened connections across the region. For the WIO, closer connections and collaboration has great potential for bolstering monitoring capability in the region.
Opportunity to clean up your data!. We have structured this training course to provide opportunities for participants to use their own data as part of the course exercises. Our aim is to provide examples of core techniques, but can also provide additional tools and recommendations. Course maintainers and regional GCRMN support nodes are available for providing feedback on your particular data.