Capacity Building for Community-based Evaluation of Harbourshed Management A Proposal to the SSHRC for a Community-University Research Alliance around the Halifax Harbour

 Complex coastal urban ecosystem  Extensive municipal watershed  Multiple conflicting human uses  Multiple overlapping jurisdictions  Well-educated population  Active stewardship groups  New governance initiatives The Halifax Harbourshed

1)A management plan for the Halifax Inlet must recognize the importance of land use in the watershed. a)A comprehensive analysis of the ‘state of the ecosystem’ is required b)Habitat quality goals must be established. 2)An effective engagement of citizens and stakeholders must occur in the planning process. a)Effective community-based monitoring and science is a critical component of environmental planning. 3)The H.R.M. should be lead agency. Stakeholders’ recommendations for preserving the environment of the Halifax Harbour Ducharme, A. & Turner, G. (eds) Preserving the Environment of Halifax Harbour; Call for Action. DFO & HRM, Halifax, N.S.

Where do community members in HRM want to see change? Community-University Research Alliance (CURA) meeting, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS, May 22, 2003 ISSUES:  Volunteer stewardship groups face too many jurisdictional and funding barriers even though the burden of environmental monitoring usually falls on them  There is no effective mechanism to translate knowledge and concerns of local stewardship groups into information usable by planners and decision-makers.  Inter-municipal issues interfere with land-use planning at the level of the watershed  Within HRM there are three levels of government with differing and often conflicting abilities, responsibilities and jurisdictions with regard to environmental issues.  The existing water advisory boards do not represent the concerns of citizens.

Partnerships in Research Key Research Elements & Activities Evaluating effectiveness of environmental management interventions  Connections between community-based organizations and the natural environment Managing information and influence  Program planning and operation of the local environmental stewardship group Connecting community to decision-makers  Communication, education and engagement

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