Implementing integrated watershed management in Quebec: examples from the Saint John River Watershed Organization

Abstract

Water management in the province of Quebec has evolved rapidly in recent years. Public consultation led the provincial government to adopt a Quebec Water Policy in 2002, which was reinforced with the passing of the Quebec Water Act in 2009. This legislative tool enabled the creation of 40 watershed organizations responsible for implementing integrated watershed management (IWM). This article explains the context in which IWM has evolved in the province of Quebec. It also describes the successes, challenges and lessons learned by the Saint John River Watershed Organization in implementing IWM in a transboundary watershed.

Keywords:

• Integrated watershed management
• Quebec watershed organizations
• stakeholders
• Quebec water policies and laws
• participatory governance
• Saint John River Watershed Organization