Robert Stokes, executive director for the Resource Integration Planning Branch of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), discusses the importance of aligning WPAC with the Government of Alberta for continued success.
Many of the government’s priorities are the priorities of the WPACs; they have a focused commitment to sound and conservative fiscal principles, and to maximize the value of our natural resources and encourage the continued respect of property rights. They strive to engage Albertans to plan for desired environmental outcomes, sustainable resources and land use, while also respecting the range of social, economic and environmental benefits, now and into the future. For example, adaptive watershed planning includes the Water for Life Program. Outcomes from this include having a safe and secure drinking water supply, healthy ecosystems, and reliable water supplies.
He goes on to discuss components of successful collaboration such as modelling the way, beginning work with the end in mind so there is a clear process to reach goals, and remembering to have meaningful and ongoing engagement with stakeholders. This presentation was a part of Alberta’s WPAC Summit, October 2014, entitled: Water Summit in the Valley: Innovation and Leadership in Sustainable Water Management, and hosted by the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance.
