Arctic Research

The Integrated Management Node - Integrated Management, Complexity and Diversity of Use: Responding and Adapting to Change is an Ocean Management Research Network supported by SSHRC/DFO. It is designed to create knowledge for the application of critical thinking and best practice to oceans management in Canada. The node works with the other nodes of the Ocean Management National Research Network Initiative, and the National Secretariat, to create linkages, integrate lessons learned, transfer knowledge and help create an expert core of ocean researchers for the implementation of the Oceans Act and the development of an Oceans Management Strategy. Ms. Muir's projects under the Integrated Management Node include:

1. Impacts and adaptation to climate change for coastal and marine areas of northern Canada

The Beaufort Sea Project for Climate Change is occurring in cooperation with the Integrated Management Node.

2. Reconciling Economic Development and Marine Conservation and Protection, Focusing on Offshore Hydrocarbon Activities, Shipping and Navigation

This research theme explores ways to reconcile offshore hydrocarbon activities and marine shipping and navigation, with marine conservation and protection, in the overall context of integrated oceans management.

3. Transboundary air and marine pollution affecting the Canadian Arctic Ocean, including coastal and marine areas, institutions and people

Research focuses on understanding existing and future impacts of transboundary air and marine pollution for the Canadian Arctic Ocean and adjacent land and coastal regions. This includes the examination of international agreements and conventions, regional agreements, domestic laws and policies and considering strategies for government, institutions, the Inuit and First Nations.

4. Environmental and wildlife issues for Hudson Bay

Environmental issues for Hudson Bay include transboundary air and marine pollution, existing and future hydroelectric development, hydrocarbon and mining development, and impacts of climatic change. Wildlife issues include subsistence and commercial uses, and management

5. Watershed, estuary and coastal management within Canada and internationally

Comparative analysis of watershed, estuary, and coastal management for the Hudson Bay and other North American and European watersheds and estuaries; with the intent of promotion of dialogue and best practices for the management of watersheds, estuaries and adjacent coast regions. See also European Coastal and Marine Management and GIS Applications, which is a European application of the of the Beaufort Sea Project for Climate Change at www.beaufortseaclimatechange.com .

Investigator: Magdalena Muir, International Energy, Environmental, and Legal Services Ltd., makmuir@ieels.com

This project focuses on wildlife, environment and resource management, and the role of traditional and local knowledge in circumpolar arctic countries, and other areas of the world. Circumpolar arctic countries considered include Canada, the United States, Greenland, Iceland, the Scandinavian countries and the former Soviet Union. The project explores wildlife issues and developments pertaining to indigenous hunters in North and South America, Africa and Asia. A paper, Traditional Knowledge and Northern Wildlife Management, was prepared and presented for the International Federations of Library Associations and Institutions in Thailand in August 1999, and is available at http://www.ieels.com/. The Beaufort Sea Project for Climate Change: Impact and Adaptation for Fish and Marine Mammals in the Canadian Beaufort Sea was initially developed under this project (further information may be found under Multi-disciplinary Projects on the AINA website, and at http://www.beaufortseaclimatechange.com ). Other issues being explored include caribou and reindeer management in Canada, United States and Saami Land; northern bush economies and the value of subsistence harvesting; subsistence and commercial interests in developing wildlife strategy; and sustainable wildlife utilization and management in relation to parks and conservation areas in Kenya, Tanzania and southern Africa.

Investigator: Magdalena Muir, International Energy, Environmental, and Legal Services Ltd., makmuir@ieels.com
Investigator: Lloyd Binder
Investigator: Carol Crowe, Indigenous Visions Inc., thecrowesare@shaw.ca
Investigator: Jennifer A Shea, Coordinator, GIS Services,jashea@ucalgary.ca

The project focuses on research and capacity development for common issues for indigenous peoples and migratory peoples. For the Americas and Oceania, the research focuses on indigenous peoples in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, the research focuses on Sami and Romany peoples. In Africa, the research focuses on indigenous, migratory and pastoral peoples. This project is conducted in cooperation with indigenous and migratory peoples; and academic, government and non-government organizations. Issues addressed include indigenous rights, land claims and land tenure; resource rights and co-management; participation in environmental and socio-economic aspects of developments; the accommodation of migratory lifestyles within urban or agrarian societies; and systematic human rights abuses.

Investigator: Magdalena Muir, Project Leader, International Energy, Environmental, and Legal Services Ltd., makmuir@ieels.com
Investigator: Carol Crowe, Indigenous Visions Inc., thecrowesare@shaw.ca
Investigator: Jennifer A Shea, Coordinator, GIS Services, jashea@ucalgary.ca

Parallels for Antarctica and the Arctic: Governance and Resource

The Antarctica and the Arctic share unique climatic extremes and biodiversity, and histories of exploration. They have different political structures, but share common environmental and economic issues as the 21 Century unfolds. This project will review governance and resource management in these polar regions, focusing on coastal and marine areas, and suggesting means to mutually learn from and enhance practises in both regions.

Investigator: Magdalena Muir, Project Leader, International Energy, Environmental, and Legal Services Ltd., makmuir@ieels.com