An integrative assessment of water vulnerability in First Nation communities in Southern Ontario, Canada

• Published in: Global environmental change Vol. 23; no. 4; pp. 749 - 763
• Main Authors: Plummer, Ryan, de Grosbois, Danuta, Armitage, Derek, de Loë, Rob C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adaptation; Assessments; Bridges (structures); collaborative management; Communities; Conduction; Construction; decision making; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Empirical analysis; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; First Nations; Governance; Hydrology. Hydrogeology; Knowledge co-production; Nations; new technology; Policy; Pollution, environment geology; Populations; water management; Water resources; water supply; Water vulnerability; Ontario; Canada; Eastern Canada; Canada, Ontario; Policy; Knowledge co-production; Water vulnerability; Governance; Adaptation; production; adaptation; exhibits; vulnerability; North America; water resources; decision making; prediction; methodology; policy; communities
• ISSN: 0959-3780; 1872-9495; 1872-9495
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2013.03.005

•An integrative understanding of water vulnerability was collaboratively developed.•Engaging with communities enhances water vulnerability assessments.•An enriched understanding of water vulnerability informs local decision-making.•Innovations to existing assessment tools were introduced.•Sensitivity analysis highlighted possible implications of uncertain information. Assessing vulnerability related to water is a global concern and especially important to populations experiencing multiple exposures and sensitivities. Approaches are required that span social and physical concerns, and that bridge multiple types and forms of knowledge. This research investigates the water vulnerability of three First Nation communities in Ontario, Canada. A collaborative process was used to build an integrative understanding of water vulnerability, develop an associated instrument, and undertake the community scale assessments. Results from the assessment provided communities with a comprehensive overview of water vulnerability, and pointed to gaps in knowledge and specific areas where attention was needed. Conducting assessments at a community scale following the methodology employed in this research responds to the need for integration and context sensitivity when engaging in water vulnerability assessments and introduces innovations to existing assessment tools. A holistic approach to water vulnerability assessment provided decision-makers with the context-specific details and empirical insights they require to prioritize issues and allocate resources.