Mackenzie River Basin Bilateral Water Management Agreement between the Government of British Columbia and the Government of the Northwest Territories.

The Bilateral Water Management Agreement between the Government of British Columbia and the Government of the Northwest Territories, is established within the framework of the Mackenzie River Basin Transboundary Waters Master Agreement (1997). The agreement aims to promote cooperation in managing shared water resources while ensuring the ecological integrity of the aquatic ecosystem and sustainable water use for present and future generations. Key commitments include early consultation, information sharing, and pollution prevention, particularly regarding toxic, bio accumulative, and persistent substances. The agreement outlines specific measures such as Risk Informed Management (RIM) classifications, Learning Plans, and Transboundary Water Quality and Quantity Objectives. Both Parties are obligated to share data, notify each other of relevant developments, and uphold compliance with water quality standards through annual monitoring and reporting. Special emphasis is placed on precautionary approaches to safeguard all water uses, including traditional practices. Implementation is overseen by the Bilateral Management Committee (BMC), which coordinates consultations, tracks commitments, and develops a multi-year work plan and annual budget. Disputes are resolved through consensus, scientific evaluation, or referral to responsible Ministers if necessary. The agreement underscores principles of cooperation, transparency, and mutual respect for legal frameworks, ensuring a collaborative and adaptive approach to transboundary water management.

كندا · 2015-10-07