Perceptions of Scientific Knowledge by Integrated Water Resource Management in the Province of Québec
In 2002, a national water policy was announced by the Québec government, The objective of this policy was to promote integrated water resources management (IWRM) as the most appropriate to the province. Our study focuses on the perception of scientific knowledge by the people directly involved in the implementation of the IWRM in Québec. Eighteen administrators were asked questions regarding their opinion of management procedures and the role of scientific knowledge within the IWRN. Scientific knowledge was considered to be paramount compared to traditional knowledge; the contribution of some managers toward imparting scientific knowledge to others was also included. Management highlighted a number of issues, such as inadequate funding, a shortfall in the availability of scientific knowledge and restricted authority to act.