Since 2017, June has been known as Water Month in Quebec. This year, the theme was ”the crossing point between cultures and traditions!” Plenty of activities took place throughout the month of June.
So, let’s talk about water… a vital resource that is essential for the environment, public health and sustainable development. Its significance calls for a water management approach that will ensure its protection.
On the one hand, water management is essential to ensure access to drinking water. Water is highly vulnerable to contamination by various substances that can endanger the health and well-being of the population. The proper management of water resources guarantees high-quality drinking water for all, while reducing the risk of illnesses linked to contaminated water.
Water management is also crucial to the preservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Rivers, lakes and wetlands are home to a rich biodiversity and provide vital ecosystem services such as ecological functions, climate regulation, water purification and recreation. Sustainable water management therefore implies the preservation and restoration of these ecosystems.
Finally, water management is closely linked to the management of natural resources and the fight against climate change. Various human activities such as agriculture, industry and urbanization exert pressure on this resource, increasing the risk of water shortages and potential conflicts. Integrated, sustainable water management helps prevent conflicts and promote efficient, sustainable water use, while strengthening resilience in the face of climate change.
In Quebec approaches water through integrated watershed management. Adopted in 2002 as the Politique nationale de l’eau, this approach takes into account issues at the watershed scale to promote better water use and protect aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in a perspective of sustainable development.
Geneviève Audet
General Manager
OBV SCABRIC