Water Science and Policy
Good science is essential for good policy.
The partnership between IISD’s Water Program and IISD-ELA brings together more than 40 years of rigorous aquatic science with 25 years of global policy analysis and practical guidance. Our combined expertise in hydrology, modelling, biology, limnology, ecosystem services and policy is directed at helping governments and industry to manage water and related resources in such diverse contexts as agriculture, hydro-electric operations and mining, to minimize effects on people and ecosystems.
With the best available science and collaborative analyses, our water solutions are evidence based, long term and meet the needs of a range of stakeholders.
- Blog
Freshwater Stewardship in Canada
Scott Vaughan explains how IISD is bridging the gap between freshwater science and policy, and how it plans to celebrate Canada's 150th Anniversary.
Read More - Paper
Public Policy Assessment and Advancing Science-Based Freshwater Protection: Background paper
In January 2017, IISD and the University of Ottawa convened a small group of experts to discuss fresh water in Canada, particularly as it relates to the federal regulatory regime. This paper written by M.P. Trudeau served as the background document for this event.
Read More - Report
Large Area Planning in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin (NCRB): Laying a foundation in northern Manitoba
This report explores two trends—the growing tendency towards large basin management and consideration of ecosystem services in decision making—for the northern portion of the Nelson-Churchill River Basin in Canada.
Read More - Report
Large Area Planning in the Nelson-Churchill River Basin (NCRB): Laying a foundation in northern Manitoba (Summary)
This document summarizes a longer report that explores two trends—the growing tendency towards large basin management and consideration of ecosystem services in decision making—for the northern portion of the Nelson-Churchill River Basin in Canada.
Read More - Report
Benefit Sharing and the Boreal Forest: Insights from case studies examining resource management and governance
We explore case studies from across the globe of forest management models and determine their ability to successfully maintain ecological and cultural services in areas of resource growth.
Read More - Report
Opening Our Doors: IISD Experimental Lakes Area 2015-2016 Annual Report
2015-2016 was the year that IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) truly opened its doors to the world.
Read More - Blog
Making Every Drop Count: Pakistan’s growing water scarcity challenge
Can climate change risks spur needed action?
Read More - Video
Mark Hanson Explains Why IISD-ELA is a Unique Educational Experience
Dr. Mark Hanson, University of Manitoba, brought a group of students from across Canada to IISD Experimental Lakes Area for a two week field course...
Read More - Video
The Water Brothers Explore Climate Change at IISD-ELA
At the end of May 2016, the Water Brothers visited IISD Experimental Lakes Area to shoot an episode on the impact of climate change on fresh water. They performed some of the science themselves, spoke with researchers, shot our beautiful vistas and, most importantly, met our fish.
Read More - Commentary
Building Transboundary Water Security
This article highlights a new generation of transboundary agreements that aim to integrate wider freshwater benefits, notably ecosystem functions. It also points to the need for holistic approaches to freshwater management moving forward, as countries turn towards implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
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