What is meant by “sustainability” in the context of long term monitoring?

In the context of long term monitoring, "sustainability" refers to the capability to maintain activities effectively over extended periods. This is crucial for ensuring that monitoring efforts can consistently gather data, analyze results, and make decisions based on findings without interruption. Sustainable practices in this field encompass not just the technical aspects of monitoring, but also include environmental, social, and economic considerations that support ongoing operations.

Sustainability implies that the systems and processes in place are resilient and adaptable, allowing them to handle changes or challenges over time. By focusing on this aspect, organizations can ensure that vital functions related to data collection and analysis remain operational, promoting the integrity and accuracy of long-term monitoring programs.