The Global Environment Monitoring System for freshwater (GEMS/Water) encourages a standardized approach to data generation through providing guidance and training on all aspects of monitoring and assessment and quality assurance. GEMS/Water provides appropriate support, based on capacity needs at national and regional levels, and develops training for delivery in countries all over the world. To maximize impact and availability of training material, various approaches are being used.
Online Training: Short courses are available and can be accessed online. The courses are:
- Freshwater Quality Monitoring Programme Design
- Freshwater Quality Monitoring with Biota and Particulate Matter
- Quality Assurance for Freshwater Quality Monitoring
- Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment of Groundwater
- Water Quality Monitoring in Rivers and Lakes
Workshops: A series of technical and "train the trainer" workshops are organized to address specific needs of water quality monitoring and management.
Accredited University Courses: GEMS/Water runs an online postgraduate higher diploma through University College Cork. The modules include:
- Monitoring programme design for freshwater bodies
- Quality assurance in water quality monitoring programmes
- Data handling and presentation for water quality monitoring programmes
- Monitoring and assessment of rivers
- Monitoring and assessment of lakes and reservoirs
- Monitoring and assessment of groundwater
- Water quality monitoring using biological and ecological methods
- Water quality monitoring with particulate material
- Monitoring technology: sensors and networks
More resources available at: Capacity Development Centre
The GEMS/Water Capacity Development Centre is hosted by Environmental Research Institute of University College Cork, Ireland.