Towards Effective Watershed Governance: A Case Study of the Grand River Basin

Abstract

Watersheds across the country and around the world are governed by many different forms of watershed governance, all of which have their own challenges and benefits. None of them have so far been the perfect solution for water governance issues or concerns. Through a case study of the Grand River Basin (GRB), this study establishes a definition for what is effective watershed governance in Canada, and determines if an example is already being used or implemented in the country via the GRB. The GRB has produced many benefits and controversies surrounding its effectiveness from a variety of stakeholders. Through a series of video and audio interviews with stakeholders in the GRB and other watershed governance knowledge holders, data was collected to determine if the GRB is an example of effective watershed governance that can then be modeled across the country in a variety of different basins. The use of interviews provide the research team with an understanding of all the challenges and opportunities regarding watershed management in Canada. The study identified the pros, cons and opportunities for improvement within the governance of the GRB, and notes that IWRM is taking place in the basin. The study also develops a definition of effective watershed governance based on the participants' responses to the interview questions, and through a comparison of this definition to the GRB, it is identified that the GRB is being effectively governed. The study also identifies the role that watershed management and IWRM plays in effective governance.