Environmental Stewardship Framework

(previously the NWT Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management Strategy & Framework)

At the Annual Gathering and Steering Committee Meeting held February 19-20, 2008 for the NWT Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management (CEAM) Strategy and Framework, it was agreed that the name of the framework would formally change to the NWT Environmental Stewardship Framework (ESF) to imply a broader perspective and not be limited to consideration of only cumulative effects.

Following the comprehensive study for the Diavik Diamonds Project in 1999, the federal Ministers of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Environment Canada initiated a process to develop the NWT Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management (CEAM) Strategy and Framework, now referred to as the Environmental Stewardship Framework (ESF). This initiative is intended to improve environmental management in the NWT by making recommendations to decision-makers concerning ecological protection, building sustainable communities and facilitating responsible economic development within a sound environmental stewardship framework. Regional plans of action provide recommendations on how the territorial-level framework can be adapted to the particular environmental, industrial, land claims and self government context of different regions of the NWT. The definition of region is deliberately flexible and wide-ranging; political, ecological, geographical and other boundaries may all be considered.

The ESF process is guided by a steering committee which includes representatives from Aboriginal, territorial and federal governments, industry, environmental non-governmental organizations and the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board. In partnership with Environment Canada, Environment and Conservation staff provide coordination and technical assistance to the NWT ESF Steering Committee and related ESF projects.

 For more information:

• Visit the website at www.ceamf.ca. 
• Phone the NWT Environmental Stewardship Framework Secretariat at (867) 669-2594.
• Email ceam@inac-ainc.gc.ca.