NPA Environmental Policy Framework
- Science-based resource management balancing development and conservation
- Water quality and quantity protection across competing uses
- Ecosystem services preservation supporting economic activity
- Evidence-based climate adaptation and mitigation strategies
Alberta's environmental policy must balance economic development with protection of the natural systems supporting human health, economic activity, and quality of life. The NPA supports science-based approaches to resource management and ecosystem conservation.
Environmental Assets
| Ecosystem | Economic Services | Conservation Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Boreal Forest | Forestry, carbon storage, water filtration | Watershed protection, habitat corridors |
| Prairie Grasslands | Agriculture, ranching, carbon sequestration | Native grassland preservation |
| Rocky Mountains | Tourism, recreation, water source | Headwaters protection, species habitat |
| Wetlands | Water filtration, flood control, wildlife habitat | No-net-loss wetland policy |
Water Resource Management
Alberta's major river systemsâBow, Oldman, North Saskatchewan, Athabascaâsupport diverse demands requiring coordinated management:
- Agricultural Irrigation: Water allocation supporting crop production
- Industrial Use: Resource extraction and manufacturing requirements
- Municipal Supply: Household consumption and urban infrastructure
- Environmental Flows: Minimum flows maintaining aquatic ecosystem health
Environmental Change
Alberta's environment experiences change from climate patterns, land use development, and resource extraction. Effective management requires:
- Monitoring: Continuous assessment of environmental conditions and trends
- Adaptation: Infrastructure and land use planning anticipating climate impacts
- Restoration: Reclamation of degraded lands and ecosystems
- Indigenous Knowledge: Integration of traditional ecological knowledge in decision-making
NPA Position
Environmental stewardship and economic prosperity are complementary objectives. Healthy ecosystems provide the foundation for agriculture, tourism, resource extraction, and quality of life. The NPA supports policies protecting environmental assets while enabling responsible economic activity.