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Environmentally responsible economic activities
Sustainable development means taking into account social, economic and environmental issues when making decisions and taking action in a manner that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to safeguard their interests and meet their needs. Because of this, the St. Lawrence Plan advocates respect for the environment while engaging in economic activities carried out along the St. Lawrence.
Agriculture
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Photo: Michel Boulianne, Ministère du développement durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs du Québec |
There are more than 32000 farming enterprises in Québec, and most agriculture-related economic activities in the province take place in the St. Lawrence Lowlands. This area, which stretches essentially from Montréal to Québec, has not only the most fertile soil in Québec but also the most diverse ecosystems. Intensive farming of this soil for animal production and industrial crops has, however, reduced the quality of a number of the St. Lawrence River’s tributaries and damaged various riparian ecosystems.
An enormous challenge thus faces all stakeholders of this major activity sector of the St. Lawrence: they need to maintain a balance between developing an economically viable and socially acceptable agricultural industry and conserving a quality environment for future generations. Until now, efforts have concentrated on reducing pollution caused by agriculture. Best agri-environmental practices have been developed and adopted by farmers operating in the watersheds of the St. Lawrence’s tributaries.
The St. Lawrence Plan aims to move agriculture toward integrated management. This new form of management is based on a better understanding of the causal relationships that exist between agri-environmental pressures and the St. Lawrence ecosystem.
In addition, emphasis is being placed on developing scientific knowledge on the effects of new agricultural management practices thanks to collaboration between researchers and agricultural stakeholders. Lastly, the environment component of the Canada's Agricultural Policy Framework will also help in reaching a major objective: to reduce non-point source agricultural pollution and, consequently, agriculture’s negative effects on St. Lawrence tributaries and areas targeted by the St. Lawrence Plan.
Objective
Conserve resources and decrease non-point source agricultural pollution.
Navigation
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Photo: Fisheries and Oceans Canada. D. Chamard |
From the time the country was first colonized, navigation has played a key role in Canada’s economy. However, with the arrival of heavier and larger ships, the St. Lawrence underwent a series of developments that had an undeniable impact on the environment.
A better balance between protecting the environment and commercial shipping which, for its part, has to remain competitive. To achieve this, the Sustainable Navigation Strategy for the St. Lawrence was developed and implemented as part of the St. Lawrence Plan. (Sustainable Navigation Strategy for the St. Lawrence)
While supporting the development of recreational and commercial navigation activities, and in active co-operation with riverside communities, the strategy is aimed at protecting ecosystems and water, ensuring the safety of people and vessels and harmonizing the various uses of the St. Lawrence.
Furthermore, it is essential to increase concertation between navigation stakeholders and strive to reinforce good practices and innovative environmental management practices. It is also important to acquire and share knowledge, train people, disseminate information and assess the environmental impact of all actions. In other words, awareness-raising and commitment are thus the strategy’s cornerstones.
In short, the partners are aiming to strike the right balance: reducing the environmental impact of navigation while promoting the benefits of this type of transportation, in particular by instilling in shippers and boaters the need to always behave responsibly.
Objective
Implement and improve the Sustainable Navigation Strategy for the St. Lawrence.
Access to riverbanks
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Photo: Céline Lachapelle, Environment Canada |
Over the years, industrialization, urbanization and the development of marine and road infrastructure along the St. Lawrence have gradually impinged on access to riverbanks and the various uses of the river, thus depriving the public of the opportunity to do more swimming, fishing and sailing. The St. Lawrence has enormous recreational, ecotourism, ecological and aesthetic potential and its enhancement can only contribute to the quality of life of both riverside communities and future generations.
With access to riverbanks so reduced at the moment, this is a major issue for communities along the St. Lawrence, especially given the growing public interest in it.
To improve public access to riverbanks, land development and local projects must be planned carefully. For example, riverbank development and infrastructure construction projects could take the form of scenic viewpoints, parking lots, launching ramps for small watercraft or ecosystem interpretation sites. These are all examples of projects whose implementation under the St. Lawrence Plan will foster alliances between municipalities and various other stakeholders.
Objective
Create, develop and restore public access points along the St. Lawrence.
Date modified: 2008/04/30 – Important Notices
