Northern River Basins Study Final Report
7.0 Appendices
7.3 NRBS Organization
Figure 6.3.1 NRBS: Organizational Structure
A NRBS Study Board reported annually to the ministers of Environment
Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Alberta Environmental Protection
and Northwest Territories Renewable Resources. The Board met every second
month at different communities within the basins. This allowed Board members
to gain a personal sense of the geography and culture of the river basins
communities. The meetings were complemented by community gatherings where
Board members could respond to public concerns and garner input on public
expectations of the science program.
The day-to-day administration of the Study was performed by
the Study Office. Led by the Study and Science directors, the Study Office
handled administrative issues and guided the science program
(Figure 6.3.1).
The Study Board was also assisted by a number of committees
providing specific services:
The Operations Committee, a sub-group of the Study Board,
oversaw the day-to-day management of the Study on behalf of the Board. It
provided direction to the Study and Science directors, and tended to the daily
accounting and financial matters.
The Science Advisory Committee provided the Board with
professional, impartial scientific guidance on the design and results of the
science program. It also monitored the progress of research projects, reviewed
scientific reports and responded to technical questions from the Board. Each
year, the committee hosted a Science Forum to inform the public of the current
status and key findings of the research program.
The Strategic Planning Committee ensured that Study
activities remained congruent with the objectives of the Study Agreement and
the NRBS Vision Statement. It also ensured that the research program provided
answers to the Study's 16 guiding questions.
The Legislative Issues Committee ensured that the final
recommendations to the Ministers provided answers to the 16 questions that
guided the Study. It was later amalgamated with the Report Task Force committee.
The Human Health Committee served as a health-oriented
resource to the Study Board and established linkages with the human health
studies within the Study area.
The First&nbps;Nations Committee facilitated harmonious interaction
with peoples and organizations within the boundaries of the Grand Council
of Treaty 8 First&nbps;Nations.
The Report Task Force organized the preparation and
release of the Study's final scientific findings, conclusions and recommendations.
The Joint Steering Committee was an external committee
that ensured that all consultative processes complied with the provisions
of the Grand Council of Treaty 8 First&nbps;Nations consultation protocol. It also
facilitated and coordinated activities between the Traditional Knowledge component
and the Great Bear Environmental Health Study.
Northern River Basins Study Vision Statement
Given the available resources, within the scope of the Agreement,
and recognizing the diversity of stakeholder interests, the Northern River
Basins Study will have successfully:
1) promoted a shared, holistic understanding of a broad spectrum
of baseline ecosystem conditions and processes in the basins;
2) presented recommendations for action on alleviating the
cumulative effects of development in the basins;
3) promoted actions that are alleviating pollution problems;
and
4) recommend mechanisms and ongoing consultative management
processes for ensuring long-term protection and stewardship of the vitality
and integrity of the basins' ecosystem.
These accomplishments will have been achieved through:
a) establishing an appropriate information base coupled with
competent information evaluation and management systems;
b) applying up-to-date knowledge of the state of the aquatic
and related ecosystems;
c) a process of gaining the necessary understanding to develop
an effective framework for assessing and monitoring the cumulative effects
of development;
d) adhering to accepted principles of sustainable development;
e) cooperation and consultation; and by
f) involving the public.
|
Quick Links
