A primary concern is the provision of scientific and statistically reliable data that can be used in modelling and decision making. The main emphasis is to establish consistent time series for environmental variables rather than establishing representative surveys across the UN ECE region. Implementation of the IM Programme by individual countries will fulfill many of the obligations of those countries to undertake impacts studies not only under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, but also under the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The ecosystem monitoring concept Integrated monitoring of ecosystems means physical, chemical and biological measurements over time of different ecosystem compartments simultaneously at the same location. A small catchment comprises a terrestrial ecosystem usually with a linked aquatic ecosystem of an adjacent brook.
Some basins contain one or more ponds or lakes.
A conceptual scheme of a small catchment ecosystem is given in Figure 1.1. Assessment leading to policy definition is linked back to monitoring through the development and application of ecosystem models. The ICP IM falls within the monitoring component of this overall framework, and the following discussion will focus on its specific position and role. Figure 1.2 Conceptual model of the means by which rational environmental policy is developed through a sequence of monitoring and assessment. The ICP IM programme's position in the hierarchy of monitoring programmes is indicated.