Thinking outside the “water box” in the Detroit River Area of Concern

Abstract

Despite sustained attention to water resource issues in the Great Lakes and around the world, many water problems remain unresolved because their sources or causes are external to the water sector. Water governance often is based on water-centric problem framings that do not take sufficient account of the role of external actors, institutions, and drivers. Recognition of this problem is growing, but identifying external connections and addressing the critical ones is challenging for water managers. Using a flexible diagnostic process, we explore external factors that are relevant in the context of the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC) between Canada and the United States. We used a two-case multiple case study research design, triangulating data gathered from 28 key informant interviews, review of 58 documents, and personal observations. We find that the AOC program is intentionally narrowly-focused to achieve its objectives, and that a water-centric perspective may in fact be needed for delisting the Detroit River as an AOC. However, there are broader issues beyond those considered in the AOC process that affect the river, including climate change, invasive species, population and land use change, shifting public perceptions, and an unstable institutional environment. To address these external challenges, practitioners should consider engaging more proactively with the topic of “life after delisting”, and connecting more strongly with existing initiatives and networks in the area with the help of “boundary spanners.” Strengthening binational ties within the AOC, and clarifying the role of AOCs in the large governance environment are also important.