Jennifer Vigano

Watershed Governance: a Canadian Perspective Jennifer Vigano

The crisis of too much or too little water is a social issue and its resolution must involve society. At the watershed level, the involvement of society in planning, management, and governance is imperative. This thesis explores the extent to which current mechanisms to engage professionals in Canadian watershed planning, management, and governance are meaningful and effective. Although, the current practice of engaging professionals in watershed planning and management may be meaningful and effective for those participating, better watershed governance in Canada is not resulting. It concludes that leaders and advisors in governance must emerge to develop governance frameworks and strategies that effectively engage professionals, and more broadly, stakeholders, in all aspects of watershed-based planning and management to ensure the sustainability of Canadian water supplies.