The NWT CIMP Cumulative Impact Monitoring Framework (CIMF) is an operational guide for NWT CIMP to develop scientific monitoring and research that can help predict cumulative impacts and support effective resource management decision-making. The CIMF serves as a high-level guide for NWT CIMP program activities and coordination with other government programs and key partners that conduct long-term monitoring of caribou, water, or fish.

Four core elements of the CIMF

1. Prioritization: identifying the most important questions
   • Identify Valued Components (VCs)
   • Develop specific monitoring Blueprint Priorities for each VC
2. Monitoring and Research: collecting data on cumulative impacts to VCs
   • Fund and conduct research to assess cumulative impacts of known or suspected stressors
   • Adopt and promote standard protocols for field methods and data management
   • Fund and conduct VC status and trends assessments
3. Analysis:  collating and analyzing data to predict future cumulative impacts
   • Bring together relevant existing datasets
   • Determine natural range of variation
   • Quantify cumulative impacts of natural and anthropogenic stressors on VCs
   • Identify monitoring indicators that are sensitive to key stressors
   • Predict VCs’ responses to management scenarios
4. Reporting: sharing information and providing tools for decisions
   • Ensure data collected is publicly available
   • Produce technical reports and scientific publications
   • Produce plain language summaries
   • Provide information and tools for use during decision making processes

NWT CIMP Action Plan

The NWT CIMP Action Plan outlines the key objectives and activities of the program for five years. Currently, the Plan builds on program successes, with a continued focus on three priority Valued Components: caribou, water and fish.

• NWT CIMP Action Plan Survey Report - Five-year reflection and advice for 2026-2030