Communication of Findings

Objective

The objective of this course is to build participants’ capacity to effectively communicate water quality monitoring results to diverse audiences, including policymakers, communities, media, and technical stakeholders. The module focuses on translating scientific evidence into clear, relevant, and compelling messages that support public awareness, informed decision-making, and evidence-based environmental policy.

What you will learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Interpret and communicate water quality findings clearly, accurately, and persuasively to different audiences.

• Apply core principles of science–policy communication to ensure monitoring results inform decision-making processes.

• Frame key messages by linking water quality data to real-world impacts on human health, ecosystems, and livelihoods.

• Use storytelling techniques and basic environmental journalism principles to make scientific findings more engaging and relevant.

• Select appropriate communication tools and visual formats, such as briefs, infographics, maps, and dashboards, to convey results effectively.

About This Course

Building on the foundational monitoring principles introduced in the Course: Water Quality Parameters and Monitoring Design and the data management and analysis techniques covered in Course: Sampling Design, Production of Information, and Data Management, this module focuses on translating technical results into accessible and impactful communication. From raising public awareness to informing policy, the course emphasises knowledge-sharing tools for reporting scientific results. Participants will review the key pollutants affecting water quality, along with their consequences on human and ecosystem health. This online session will give the participants insights into science communication, using storytelling and data visualisation for sharing findings through various communication channels. The course also covers mechanisms for presenting results to both the public and decision makers to drive awareness and influence environmental policy.

Learning Objectives

Participants should be able to translate water quality monitoring results into clear, accessible, and policy-relevant messages that raise awareness, support informed decision-making, and contribute to improved environmental management outcomes.