The Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program: implementing integrated watershed management in Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract

The Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (NAACAP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting watersheds and coastal environments through research, education, community engagement and strong cross-sectoral partnerships. NAACAP’s mission statement establishes the principles of integrated watershed management, which drive the efforts of the organization: local initiatives; partnerships and collaboration; watershed basis; and aquatic health. Central to NAACAP’s successes are strong partnerships with industry, other non-profits and local, provincial and federal governments. This is key to overcoming the ongoing anthropogenic and organizational challenges faced by NAACAP in the application of integrated watershed management in the Northeast Avalon region of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Keywords:

• Integrated watershed management
• outreach
• conservation
• consensus decision making
• community engagement
• stewardship

Acknowledgements

Many people were helpful in the making of this article. Thanks to Jen Daniels, Phoebe Metcalfe, Hershal Pandya, Bob Helleur, Corinna Favaro, Brad Strang, Bill Stoyles and Diana Baird. Without support from these people, this article would not have been possible.