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One of the major challenges facing Québec is data collection and the management of its land and natural resources. Its vast territory, 92% of which is under public ownership, covers an area of 1,700,000 km2 and constitutes a reservoir of natural resources as well as a veritable lever for economic development.
To ensure that the land is used in a variety of ways to respond to an ever-increasing range of needs, the Québec Government sets guidelines for the protection and use of public land, giving all stakeholders an opportunity to participate in the integrated management process and to contribute to the harmonious and sustainable development of this public resource. This approach, designed in collaboration with regional authorities, reconciles economic, social and environmental aspects and supports current development without compromising the possibilities for future generations.
A winning approach
The Québec Government has chosen to grant more power to its regions. Its new integrated, regionalized management approach will allow the regions to play a leading role in the land and natural resource management process, and to work together to develop all regional potential while taking into account all the possibilities for land and resource development and the associated risks.
The implementation of the integrated management process gives regional players, as they have requested, a coherent framework for resource development and wealth creation. They can now play a more prominent role in land and resource management, and enjoy greater autonomy in deciding on their choices and priorities while complying with the Government guidelines.
Productive partnerships
Québec has chosen the path of sustainable development, which requires a long-term vision in which every single action has impacts for both the population and the natural heritage. In accordance with the principles of sustainable development, the State must delegate some of its responsibilities to regional and local authorities. The goal of the integrated, regionalized management approach chosen by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune is to give these authorities, and Aboriginal communities, an opportunity to become more involved in land and natural resource development by creating suitable conditions for mobilizing projects that will ensure the future of their communities. The State acts as a partner in the projects that are selected by the communities, which can then join forces to help create facilities that will benefit future generations.
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