WIC Research Areas
The Water Innovation Centre (WIC) is conducting research and analysis in the areas of watershed-based natural resources management. Our role is providing key analysis and demonstration projects research for moving water policy towards environmental effectiveness, social justice and economic efficiency.
A prominent focus of the WIC is to apply the concept of "natural capital" to integrated water resources management (IWRM). Our flagship project is building, communicating and helping implement a strategic management plan for the Lake Winnipeg Basin. The WIC activities are focused on the following major themes:
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Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are the benefits, including resources and processes, provided to us by healthy ecosystems. Strategic decision support tools for managing and conserving such services in watersheds and river basins that are vital to our life and livelihoods will be a key part of the WIC's work. -
Governance and Management
Insight and analysis for IWRM institutional design and effective management. -
Wetlands
Wetlands are vital and chronically under-valued ecosystem components that provide many ecological and economic benefits. Wetlands are a critical component of the global water cycle recharging groundwater supplies, while storing and removing nutrients, toxins and contaminants from our water. -
Technology
The WIC's work on water technology focuses on nutrient management technologies from innovative end-of-pipe control approaches to large-scale ecological infrastructure. -
EcoHealth
Human health and well-being are important outcomes of effective ecosystem and water resources management—liaising with the public health community on the many benefits of IWRM is an important function of the WIC. -
Community Outreach and Education
Information and outreach material aimed at communities, youth and media for informing behaviour change around sustainable water management.
