Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
time.
Source: Canadian Section of the IJC (2007), presented at a Department of Foreign Affairs, Canadian
Conference, Ottawa (Norman and Bakker, 2009).
There are three main theories regarding the decline in IJC references. One is
that the increased agency of subnational actors may limit the number of references.
As states and provinces become increasingly involved in transboundary governance,
the motivation to invite supranational representatives to assist in regional issues can
decline. A second reason for the declining references is the lack of government
funding (and a lack of political will) to support the boards. A third reason for the
decline in IJC references could be related to an increase in the complexity of issues
that accompany watershed and ecosystem approaches, which are significantly more
complex than the relatively straightforward water quality and water quantity issues.
Similarly, the complexity of political diplomacy increases in correlation with
greater integration (particularly in relation to greater inclusion of Indigenous
peoples and local actors).
Change over time: water-related issues and “glocalization”
In this time of transition, the IJC is attempting to carve out a new future (as explored
in greater depth in
Chapter 4).
Whether the IJC is able to translate its strengths
into this new governance model is yet to be determined. One of the main
differences in contemporary water issues compared with the early 1900s is the shift
in concern from water quantity to water quality. During the early years of the IJC,
water quantity issues such as water levels, flow, and allocation were the main areas
of focus for references and negotiations, although it is important to note that water
pollution of the Great Lakes and other watersheds was also a concern. Towards
the
latter part
of the century, public attention to water quality issues prompted a
more comprehensive approach to the governance of water. This shift included a
wider interpretation of environmental issues that more generally included ecosystem
and sustainable development considerations. As part of this shift, the IJC began to
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