Talking Water
The course will evolve as we find out who is in the class, in particular the knowledge and experiences that they bring to it and their interests in planning for water resources management. From my previous contacts with some of you and the variety of degree programs evident from the registration list it seems likely that there will be a rich diversity of knowledge and experience on which we can capitalize.
One of the purposes of the Talking Water pages is to assist in building a shared vocabulary that will facilitate our conversations. Water resources planning and management draws on many different realms of expertise and is highly interdisciplinary. It is important for us to have a common understanding of the key terms and concepts used in these differing areas of knowledge and practice; also to appreciate how the same terms may sometimes be used differently. I will be pointing you towards several of the specialized glossaries and dictionaries that have been created. However, they tend to be specifically focused and not embrace all that we are interested in. I will therefore be introducing you to key terms and concepts, along with links for learning more about them, on a regular basis.
A second purpose of these pages is to provide me with a way to comment on how the ideas in the course are progressing. Sometimes these might be reflections on our discussions in the class. On other occasions they will be intended to shape and stimulate the evolution of our thinking about the framework we are developing in the course. One specific focus will be our evolving dialogue about Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles and what these might suggest for advancing a national strategy for water management in Canada.
Please check this page for new postings on a regular basis. I will let the class know whenever there is a new posting. I would very much appreciate receiving your comments and suggestions for ways to improve and add to the format and content of Talking Water. You will I am sure know of or find additional links and references that should be added to those that I suggest initially. Please email me with your suggestions and I will add them to the lists.
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10th January 2008: Water: How do we think about it?
11th January 2008: Water Management: What activities does this include?
14th Janaury 2008: Water Management Plans, Planning and Policies
15th January 2008: Water Governance