Project Description
The purpose of this project was to develop a Bayesian Network (BN) to model the cause and effects of flow-related hydro-ecological and socio-ecological links within the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD). The overarching aim of the BN was to integrate Western scientific methods with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to support Environmental flow recommendations for the PAD. The project involved consultation with both Indigenous Knowledge Representatives (IKR) and interested members of First Nations and Mėtis communities within the PAD. A key theme of this project was to explore alternative E-flows scenarios and their impact on socio-ecological endpoints that are important to First Nations and Mėtis communities.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Environment Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Indigenous Knowledge Representatives from approximately 11 First Nations and Métis governments were involved in this project. This project benefits the local communities of the Peace-Athabasca Delta, whose treaty rights have been impinged by water development in the region.
Outcomes to Date
To date this project has collaborated with Canadian colleagues to develop an unpopulated Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) that represents the relationships between river flow and socio-ecological health outcomes in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD). The BBN was accompanied by detailed training materials that can be used by interested community organisations within the PAD to develop their own BBN. This will ensure that any specific concerns of different communities within the PAD can be addressed.
Project Significance
The importance of this project lies in its collaborative nature. Our project was part of a wider plan for addressing ecological health concerns in the Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada. Our project focused on delivering a Bayesian Network to inform e-flows in the Peace-Athabasca Delta (PAD). A specific focus of this project was working collaboratively with First Nations and Métis people of the PAD to help bridge the gap between Western and traditional ecological knowledge systems. Water regulation in the PAD has resulted in modified hydrographs of the Peace and Athabasca Rivers and poor water quality, as a result First Nations and Métis people are unable to practice their treaty rights. This project has contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering global partnerships with the goal of improving socio-ecological health within the PAD.