Sustainable Navigation Strategy for the St. Lawrence

Vision

• From sustainable development to sustainable navigation
• Guiding principles and principles of application

From sustainable development to sustainable navigation

In the 1960s, population growth, ever more intensive land use, accelerated harvesting of raw materials and the impacts generated by these activities on the environment (air-soil-water) led various international stakeholders to begin reflection on the social, economic and environmental sustainability of this development. This reflection, and particularly the concerns that accompany it, then intensified, culminating in 1987 with the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (Brundtland Report, Our Common Future).

A simple but inclusive expression of sustainable development was finally proposed and accepted by the international community. Sustainable development is thus understood as:

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

This definition served as a frame of reference for different sectors that adapted it to their respective needs. Thus, in the transportation sector, the OECD has proposed a definition of sustainable transportation that makes no distinction between the different modes:

Transportation that does not endanger public health or ecosystems and meets
mobility needs, while being consistent with:

a) use of renewable resources at rates below their own regeneration; and

b) use of non-renewable resources at rates below the development of renewable substitutes.

(Taken from the translation by Environment Canada and Transport Canada, 1997)

These multiple efforts have made it possible to establish the orientation of sustainable development. It must consider the following three main poles – the economy, the environment and society – and tend to an equilibrium among them.

By applying these concepts to the various navigation activities, it becomes possible to define what could be a sustainable navigation for the St. Lawrence:

Management of commercial and recreational navigation and quayside ship operations, integrating the objectives of economic, environmental and social sustainability and assuring, in the short term and for future generations, adequate protection of ecosystems, quality of life, and human health and safety, while permitting the development of navigation.

(Navigation concensus building committee, 2003)

This definition focuses on the importance of subscribing to the imperatives of sustainability in the management of navigation activities. By basing the achievement of sustainable navigation on management practices, the precepts of sustainability will be integrated into the everyday activities of the stakeholders and managers concerned. Moreover, sustainable navigation adheres to the balance sought by sustainable development, namely prevention, mitigation or elimination of the negative impacts of commercial and recreational navigation on the St. Lawrence ecosystems and uses. Parallel to this and still seeking this balance, it emphasizes the environmental, social and economic benefits of navigation.

In support of this definition, guiding principles and principles of application have been formulated to serve as a reference framework for stakeholders and decision makers who have to act directly or indirectly on issues concerning commercial and recreational navigation activities. In accordance with the definition, the principles constitute a sort of ideal, a vision of the St. Lawrence to preserve by proposing some guidelines for navigation activities. The appropriation of this vision by the decision-makers and stakeholders will foster its fulfillment.

Guiding principles and principles of application

The organization chart below schematically shows how the strategy functions. The guiding principles and principles of application will provide a framework for the different actions related to navigation so that they can meet the requirements of sustainable navigation.

Guiding principles

Protection of ecosystems and water resources

Assure the sustainability of the St. Lawrence ecosystems, their productivity and the essential roles they play and not disrupt the quality and quantity of water available.

Safety of persons and ships

Follow the recognized safety principles and measures for crews, users, cargo and ships.

Development of commercial navigation activities

Observe the requirements of economic development of navigation activities and assure their harmonization with environmental and social imperatives; maintain the port accesses supporting these activities and optimize reliance on navigation in situations where this mode of transportation offers comparatively more environmental gains.

Development of recreational and recreational boating activities

Promote the development and practice of these activities and ensure their harmonization with environmental and social imperatives.

Harmonization of uses and involvement of riverside communities

Meet the needs of the different users of the St. Lawrence, particularly in matters of accessibility, and ensure the participation of the riverside communities in the decision-making processes.

Principles of applications

Broadened consensus building among navigation stakeholders

Develop and maintain consensus building among public stakeholders, users and riverside communities, and promote participation in the decision-making process based on various conditions that may range from exchange of information to consultation and, as the case may be, takeover of specific projects.

Consolidation of best practices and innovation in environmental management measures

Support and consolidate existing best practices and initiatives and develop new
ones in relation to the development of knowledge, technology and environmental
conditions.

Acquisition and sharing of knowledge, and training

Promote, through research and development, the acquisition and sharing of environmental, technical and economic knowledge related to navigation, by assuring the transfer, through training, to the commercial and recreational users.

Dissemination of information, awareness and involvement

Disseminate information concerning the impacts and advantages of navigation to change the perceptions and behaviour of stakeholders in the navigation field, riverside communities and users, and to promote the development of targeted strategic actions.

Environmental assessment of actions

Assure systematic and regular monitoring of the environmental effectiveness of the measures implemented, and institute remedial measures as needed.

These principles are primarily based on environmental and social values such as maintenance and development of activities with less impact on the environment, cooperation and consensus building among the various stakeholders, but also a marine economy based on increased efficiency of navigation activities. The following section presents a set of issues in which efforts must be invested on a priority basis over the next few years to mitigate the impacts associated with certain practices.