Climate change requires innovation and a sharper focus on integrated water and land management in Manitoba: IISD
Climate change threatens to increase the magnitude and frequency of major weather events and exacerbate the intensity of droughts and floods. Lake Winnipeg is particularly vulnerable—already facing a multitude of environmental challenges.
The Manitoba Challenge: Integrated Water and Land Management for Climate Adaptation, a study by IISD's Water Innovation Centre (WIC) presents the case for technological and institutional innovation for effective ecological watershed management, which looks not just at water issues, but at land issues as well.
"It is critical that water and land issues are managed together," said report author and WIC director, Henry David (Hank) Venema. "By integrating water and land management we can greatly improve the conservation of water resources, and improve the management and health of Lake Winnipeg at the same time."
Key elements of this innovation agenda include governance reform at the water-land interface, re-purposing existing resources, and designing new economic instruments to support watershed management—including ecological goods and services programs in the agricultural sector.
The report is being released today as part of Manitoba's initiative to collaborate and share information with water experts at the second Manitoba - Israel Water Experts Symposium this week, led by Manitoba Water Stewardship Minister the Honourable Christine Melnick, where Venema is presenting the recent work of the Institute on climate change adaptation.
-ends-
For more information, please contact Henry David (Hank) Venema Phone: +1-(204)-899-0104 or IISD media and communication officer, Nona Pelletier Phone: +1-(204)-958-7740, Cell: +1-(204)-962-1303.
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
You might also be interested in
New Agreement Marks First Step in Addressing Energy Charter Treaty Legacy
This is an important move to prevent legacy arbitration claims under the treaty, but more remains to be done.
Canada's Sustainable Jobs Legislation: A milestone for workers and communities on the path to net-zero
IISD celebrates the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, Bill C-50, being officially passed into law as a significant milestone to engage and support workers and communities in moving to a low-carbon economy.
NDCs, long-term strategies should include roadmap for fossil fuel producers: IISD
Analysis by policy think tank IISD shows that seven of the 20 largest fossil fuel producing countries make no mention of fossil fuel production in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and six others stated an intention to continue or increase production.
Report Calls on Fossil Fuel Producers to Map “Transition Away” in NDCs
With governments due to submit the next generation of NDCs in 2025 a new report identifies five elements countries should include to reflect the outcome of the global stocktake.