Understanding Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative impacts are the combined effects of human activities and natural processes on our environment.
About NWT CIMP
The Northwest Territories Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (NWT CIMP) is a source of cumulative impact monitoring and research in the NWT. Its main purpose is to support resource management decision-making and the wise use of our resources by furthering our understanding of cumulative impacts.
NWT CIMP coordinates, conducts and funds monitoring and research activities on cumulative impacts. It gathers results and information on cumulative impacts, and communicates this information to northern decision-makers and the public. Cumulative impact monitoring questions and priorities are identified by key land and water use decision-makers, and are reflected in the Blueprint Priorities.
NWT CIMP is advised by a Steering Committee made up of representatives from Indigenous, federal, and territorial governments and co-management boards. The Steering Committee provides guidance and makes recommendations to our staff who administer the program.
NWT CIMP carries out four main activities:
- Working with partners to understand key monitoring priorities
- Coordinating, conducting and funding cumulative impact monitoring research and analysis
- Communicating results to decision-makers and the public
- Assessing cumulative impact monitoring and the regulatory regime by facilitating the NWT Environmental Audit
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Monitoring Priorities and Supported Projects
Through a priority-setting exercise, key NWT decision-makers directed NWT CIMP to focus on monitoring and researching three valued components (VCs) of critical importance to northerners: caribou, water, and fish.
One way NWT CIMP supports monitoring and research of cumulative impacts is by providing funding to partners through an annual funding process. The NWT CIMP Steering Committee annually reviews project proposals through a competitive process, and makes recommendations to Environment and Climate Change for funding allocation. See Apply for funding for more information, including instructions, templates and key dates.
Program Effectiveness
As required by various land claim agreements and legislation, the NWT Environmental Audit is conducted every five years by an independent auditor. The audit examines how well the NWT’s environmental regulatory system is working and evaluates the quality of environmental data used to make resource management decisions. It also reviews the effectiveness of cumulative impact monitoring in the NWT.