IJC Prioritizes Indigenous Peoples in Watershed Management
- The International Joint Commission held its Semi-Annual Meeting in Ottawa from October 21-25.
- The meeting focused on the role of Indigenous Peoples and the impacts of climate change in water management.
- The Commission aims to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous experts for better governance of transboundary watersheds.
From October 21-25, 2024, the International Joint Commission convened a Semi-Annual Meeting in Ottawa, attended by officials from both Canada and the United States. The Commission, which aims to manage shared water resources, highlighted its focus on addressing climate change and increasing Indigenous involvement in watershed governance. Notably, an inaugural meeting with the Indigenous Circle of Experts marked a key step in fostering collaboration with Indigenous representatives across the transboundary region. During the meeting, updates were shared on watershed conditions, alongside discussions on tackling transboundary pollution and implementing science-based solutions for environmental protection. The next Semi-Annual Meeting is scheduled for spring 2025 in Washington, D.C., where cross-border collaboration will continue to be a focal point.