Over a Decade of Protecting the World's Fresh Water: Five ways IISD Experimental Lakes Area has made a difference

When it comes to understanding the environment, some plucky scientists in Canada over half a century ago discovered that working directly on the environment can result in richer and more accurate results than conducting research in a classic laboratory.

It was that discovery that led to the ribbon-cutting of the Experimental Lakes Area in 1968—a series of 58 lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario.

It is the only place in the world where scientists can experiment on and manipulate real lakes to build a more accurate and complete picture of what human activity is doing to our fresh water. The findings from its over 50 years of ground-breaking research have rewritten environmental policy around the world—from mitigating algal blooms to reducing how much mercury gets into our waterways—and aim to keep fresh water clean around the world for generations to come.

Just over 10 years ago it found a whole new lease on life, coming under the wing of the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

And ever since then, it has never looked back. From opening its doors to students, journalists and scientists from around the globe to working with local communities and kicking off new and exciting research into microplastics and oil spills, IISD Experimental Lakes Area—as it is now known—has never had more of an impact on the lives of those who depend on fresh water.

But don’t just take our word for it. 

Here are five stories from people who have seen, firsthand, the impact of IISD-ELA over the last decade.

IISD Experimental Lakes Area Embraces Africa

It’s not only North America that houses massive freshwater lakes. Africa’s seven Great Lakes are highly valuable natural resources, renowned for rich fisheries and biodiversity hotspots” that underpin the welfare and livelihoods of over 50 million people across 10 countries.

That’s why over the last decade, IISD-ELA has teamed up with the African Center for Aquatic Research and Education (ACARE) to strengthen science on large freshwater resources and the countries in which they reside.

That means sharing knowledge between experts on both continents. It means building projects that benefit Lake Erie and Lake Edward. And it means building the future of African Women in Science.

Let's hear what The Honourable Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament, Winnipeg South has to say...

Click here to learn more about how and why we are collaborating with those who work hard every day to protect Africa’s Great Lakes.

How Our Science Changes How Industry Acts

Science only matters if it makes our lives better. 

That’s why, ever since 2014, the world’s freshwater laboratory has committed to ensuring that all the science we do is converted into policy recommendations for industry and governments to change how they act.

Here’s a great example of how research into cleaning up the shorelines of lakes after oil spills immediately changed how industry dealt with those spills—for the better.

Here's more from Vince Palace, the head Head Scientist at IISD Experimental Lakes Area.

Click here to learn more about what IISD-ELA has discovered when it comes to oil spills in freshwater systems, and how best to clean them up.

Building the Next Generation of Freshwater Scientists

At IISD-ELA, we believe in the power of engaging students directly in hands-on science to inspire, interest, and motivate young people to examine the world around them, encouraging the process of lifelong learning.

And we need to nurture the next generation of freshwater scientists to ensure that freshwater protection continues way into the future.

That’s why we have spent the last decade building a whole suite of educational programming and community outreach that gets young people from all walks of life interested in freshwater science—all while getting their feet wet in the process.

Here's the story of Savana Theodore-Maraj, our Former Education and Outreach Assistant.

Click here to discover all the educational programming—for students and the general public—that IISD has to offer.

Honouring the Land and Water

For almost a decade, the world’s freshwater laboratory has been building relationships with local First Nations communities and working to understand their concerns and needs. 

Our activities with our neighbours in Treaty 3 communities involve collaboration and communication in areas of common interest, including the environmental impacts of resource development, education, youth engagement, and traditional ecological knowledge.

Giniw’ikwe/Laura Horton of Rainy River First Nation/Tulita offers us her perspective.

Click here to learn more about IISD-ELA is committed to working closely with Indigenous partners.

Where does the science go from here?

A decade passes by in the blink of eye. But IISD Experimental Lakes Area is committed to protecting freshwater resources for generations to come. 

And this means more science on the biggest threats to our fresh water—from plastics to pharmaceuticals and more. It also means building bigger audiences, in part thanks to a new Centre for Climate and Lake Learning that will function as a hub for education and outreach on freshwater science in northern Ontario.

Chelsea Rochman—Research Fellow at IISD Experimental Lakes Area and an Associate Professor of Ecology at the University of Toronto—gives us her take...

Click here to learn more about how and why IISD-ELA is exploring the impact of plastics on fresh water—and where it goes from here.