From flood to drought: recommendations emerging from 7 years of transdisciplinary research and learning on future water availability, wetland function, and water practices in the Canadian Prairie
This paper synthesizes outcomes from the Prairie Water project, a transdisciplinary initiative addressing water availability, aquatic ecosystem health, and governance on the Canadian Prairie. Findings highlight the roles of wetland drainage, basin classification, and collaborative governance in building community resilience and informing sustainable water management in water-stressed regions.
Subject Tags
- Ecosystem management
- Wetlands
- Climate resilience
Abstract
Many of the multi-faceted water resource challenges society faces require new approaches, especially on the Canadian Prairie. Cyclical water availability and competing demands for water put pressure on the region’s water quantity and quality, and on the management systems. This paper synthesizes outputs and outcomes of the Prairie Water project. This user-driven project brought together people with a vision to pursue research, build tools and knowledge to increase community resilience by informing sustainable water management. Prairie Water represents an example of a transdisciplinary project from which lessons can be drawn from for future research opportunities. This paper summarizes key research findings from the three interdisciplinary teams (Water Availability, Aquatic Ecosystem Health, and Water Management Practices and Governance). A new basin classification scheme for the Prairies was a key outcome for the Water Availability team. The Aquatic Ecosystem Health team found there is no threshold below which wetland drainage does not enhance nutrient transport. Wetland drainage is viewed very differently among prairie communities, so the Water Management Practices and Governance team determined that successful wetland governance structure must emphasize building relationships and sharing understanding, and be mindful of existing power dynamics, empowerment, and inclusivity. The remainder of the paper discusses successes and shortcomings of the project, synthesizes themes and provides recommendations for sustainable water management and similar research projects. The aim of this paper is to provide practitioners and researchers insights to consider when undertaking research opportunities meant to achieve improved water management and resilience in this and similarly water-stressed regions.
Citation
Miranda, L. T., Baulch, H. M., Belcher, K., Ferguson, G., Hayashi, M., He, Z., ... & Whitfield, C. J. (2026). From flood to drought: recommendations emerging from 7 years of transdisciplinary research and learning on future water availability, wetland function, and water practices in the Canadian Prairie. FACETS, 11, 1-16.
TNC Authors
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Philip Loring
Global Director of Human Dimensions Science. Global Science
The Nature Conservancy
Email: philip.loring@tnc.org