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.
- Briefing Note
Geography Matters: Targeting "hotspots" for cumulative environmental benefits
Using open data from a variety of sources, we demonstrated how Manitoba can target its limited resources to deliver public programming to agricultural regions and gain better outcomes.
Read More - Policy Brief
How and Why the U.S. EPA Is Changing its Policy on Mercury
President Trump wants to loosen the US EPA's regulations on mercury. We explore what the proposed changes are, why they would be a mistake and how they could affect the lives of Americans and even Canadians.
Read More - Brochure
Undertreated Sewage Contributes to Harmful Algal Blooms
In this short brochure, the Lake Winnipeg Foundation and the International Institute for Sustainable Development, present their plans for an interim solution to Winnipeg's phosphorus woes.
Read More - Blog
How the U.S. EPA is Changing its Mercury Policy
We explain how President Trump wants the EPA to changes its policies on mercury, and how it could impact the United States and potentially Canada.
Read More - Blog
Canada could take inspiration from U.S. environmental policy preventing algal blooms
Recent US legislation to combat algal blooms and protect fresh water shows bipartisan environmental action is still possible—and sets an example for other countries.
Read More - Report
Advancing Natural Infrastructure in Canada: A forum report
The Advancing Natural Infrastructure in Canada forum convened Canadian experts to discuss how natural infrastructure can build climate-resilient cities/landscapes. This report highlights forum presentations, discussions, insights and next steps.
Read More - Blog
How Will Cannabis Legalization Affect our Fresh Water?
The world’s freshwater laboratory is a very busy field station these days—with ongoing studies examining algal blooms, climate change, selenium...
Read More - Policy Brief
IISD Experimental Lakes Area Response to Ontario’s Commitments to Freshwater Protection in Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations: A Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan
IISD-ELA's response to the Government of Ontario’s Environment Plan that sets out necessary steps and goals to achieve a more sustainable future for the province.
Read More - Discussion Paper
IISD’s Response to Manitoba’s Proposed New Water Rights Regulations to Protect Wetlands and Make Drainage More Sustainable in the Province
IISD's response to the Government of Manitoba's proposed drainage regulations aimed to ensure no net loss of wetland benefits while streamlining the drainage permitting process.
Read More - Report
Case Study Research on Offsets for Water Quality Management
This case study research examines six water quality trading/offset programs from Canada, the United States and New Zealand and provides lessons relevant to offsetting nutrients, specifically phosphorus and nitrogen, in Manitoba.
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