Exploring the Role of the Canadian Government in Integrated Land Management
Research Paper
September 2010

Integrated Land Management (ILM) processes are increasingly being adopted in Canada, yet there is a limited understanding of the Federal government’s role within them. The authors explore place-based literature as well as the results of an exploratory focus group with practitioners to ascertain what is, what should be and what could be the role of the federal government in integrated land-use planning processes. The findings point to a possible strategic support role in ILM, findings which may also inform the role of the federal government within place-based approaches more generally.

Sustainable Places
Horizons
March 2010

This latest issue of Horizons presents findings of significant national and international research work on the development of place-based initiatives, with a particular emphasis on the extent to which they can be designed to address sustainable development challenges.

Sustainable Places
Compendium
March 2010

This document while by no means exhaustive presents short descriptions of a number of existing place based initiatives in support of sustainable development. It is not designed to replace other sources of information, but simply to complement them. As a web-based tool, additional existing and new initiatives can be added on a regular basis, adding to its value as a resource.

Integrated Management and Geospatial Information Network for the Environment – Building a Shared Vision
Workshop Report
March 2009

GeoConnections, the ILM Secretariat, and IISD hosted a Network Implementation Workshop on March 4 and 5, 2008, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This workshop occurred at a critical stage for defining and setting the direction of the Network. Over a two-day period, project representatives contributed insights and expert opinion on ILM-related needs that will form the basis of the needs and objectives for the Network as a whole. Participants also worked together to refine their project proposals and create implementation plans that can have real and lasting impacts on policies and regional environmental, economic, and social conditions.

Strengthening Integrated Water Resource Management in Canada
Discussion Paper
March 2009

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a flexible, place-based approach that is widely recognized as the preferred way to deal with water challenges and provides a necessary compliment to high-level regulatory directives. “Strengthening Integrated Water Resources Management in Canada” discusses some of the challenges with putting IWRM into practice including jurisdiction, information and knowledge needs, and the diversity of players, problems and landscapes. Possible federal level responses for enabling IWRM are suggested such as the provision and coordination of data and science, regulatory innovation and coherence, and strengthening partnerships through research and facilitation. Considerations for a federal water management strategy are also discussed. Encouraging collaboration and integration within the public service will not only support federal involvement in IWRM but will also support efforts on other horizontal files that require, or would benefit from, a place-based and/or integrated approach.

Geospatial Information Needs for Integrated Land/Marine Management
Other
October 2006

This report explores the future role of the existing information-sharing mechanisms, and more specifically of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), in supporting integrated land/marine management. Presented also are priorities to focus on in order to overcome the barriers for data sharing and to facilitate integrated land, water and marine planning.

Integrated Landscape Management Modelling
Workshop Report
June 2005

Integrated Landscape Management Modelling (ILMM) is a powerful tool for bringing a wide range of specialist expertise to bear on land-use decisions and environmental impact assessments. This report shows how a national capacity for ILMM could be developed in Canada.

Towards a National Capacity for Integrated Landscape Management Modelling
Briefing Note
May 2005

- Land-use management and Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) need improved tools to consider complex interactions and cumulative effects of multiple land uses; Integrated Landscape Management Models (ILMM) could satisfy this policy need.
- Barriers to the development and use of ILMM include jurisdictional and thematic silos, uncoordinated data policies, and hesitency among potential users to be "early adopters."
- A variety of frameworks for a national ILMM capacity would help address these barriers; all need federal leadership.
- ILMM would be particularly useful to establish a clear, consistent, rigorous, and scientifically defensible process for Strategic Environmental Assessments.

Economic Instruments for Water Demand Management in an Integrated Water Resources Management Framework
Synthesis Report
January 2005

This report is a synthesis paper based in part on an Experts Symposium held in June of 2004. It reviews the use of economic instruments for water demand management, such as pricing and markets.

Integrated Landscape Management Models for Sustainable Development Policy Making
Briefing Note
January 2005

- Integrated landscape management models (ILMMs) are approaching a stage of maturity where they could be required for environmental impact assessments of large projects.
- ILMMs combine social, economic, and biophysical sub-models to produce comprehensive scenarios for decision makers.
- ILMMs allow different management scenarios to be evaluated over different spatial and temporal scales.
- Most ILMMs are developed for a specific area and focus on a theme.
- Further Reading and Links

Exporting Canada's Water I: Outside of NAFTA
Briefing Note
January 2005

- Exporting Canadian water outside of NAFTA is only economical as a luxury product.
- Water exports would not necessarily harm the environment, but would have little economic benefit to Canada.
- Water exports for humanitarian emergencies would not turn water into a commodity, but Canada is not the closest and cheapest source of water for most other countries.

Integrated Water Resource Management
Briefing Note
June 2004

- Integrated water resource management (IWRM) has become the new paradigm for freshwater policy development.
- IWRM integrates land use and water management at a watershed level, to optimize economic, social, and environmental outcomes simultaneously.
- There are as yet few large-scale examples of IWRM in practice; one of the best is the management of a watershed to protect New York City's drinking water supply.