Winnipegger Venema to lead revitalized, water-focused program

WINNIPEG — The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has appointed Dr. Henry David Venema of Winnipeg, Manitoba, as Director of the Sustainable Natural Resources Management program.

The re-shaped program will focus initially on water resources issues on the Canadian Prairies and in the northern United States. IISD's international work on community-based natural resources management, mining issues and on environment and security will continue as well.

Dr. Venema recently completed his PhD in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo. He also holds a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Ottawa and is also a gold medalist in Physics and Civil Engineering from the Universities of Winnipeg and Manitoba respectively. He is a professional engineer with extensive experience in water resources, natural resources, and energy sector planning in North America, Africa and Asia. He has been a researcher at IISD since 2001 working primariliy on climate change and energy issues.

"Hank brings a special energy and an exceptional breadth of practical experience to the position," said IISD President and CEO David Runnalls. "He's able to link research from different disciplines and deliver innovative approaches to solving some of the environment and development issues facing the world. And his Prairie roots give him a solid perspective on regional matters."

"It's an honour to be selected," said Venema. "IISD is doing internationally recognized research in climate change, international trade and investment, and other areas. I'm looking forward to advancing our work in natural resources and its key linkages with our other research programs."