The Winnipeg-based International Institute for Sustainable Development will likely take over management of the Experimental Lakes Area, a world-renowned freshwater research station that was controversially closed by the federal government.
“I’m delighted. . . It’s an incredibly important step forward,” said Scott Vaughan, the institute’s president. “It’s a good day for science.”
Ottawa has signed a memorandum of understanding with the institute, which means experiments will carry on at the station over the summer while negotiations on the final fate of the research station continue, said Vaughan.
The institute is in for a long-term commitment, he said, adding that it would cost about $2 million annually to run the station.
Ottawa announced last year that it was closing the facility, saying it does not fit within the mandate of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Work to dismantle it later began while a buyer was still being sought.
ELA includes 58 lakes that have been used since 1968 for studies on how toxins affect the environment.
The announcement prompted howls of protest in the scientific community but for months it seemed the station would still shut down. Then, two weeks ago, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced the province would provide “operating support” for the facility, raising hope that the station would be eventually saved.
While aspects of the transfer still need to be worked out, Vaughan said he hopes ELA staff will stay on.
“They are great scientists and we would want them to keep working.”
The decision to save ELA wasn’t a tough one, said Vaughan, former federal environment commissioner. “IISD is looking at how to help countries address climate change . . . that key work is also being done at ELA,” he said.
Meanwhile, the scientific community quietly rejoiced.
Diane Orihel, a PhD candidate at the University of Alberta who has been fighting for the past year to save the research station, said it’s great news that “science can go ahead this summer . . . that ongoing studies will continue.”
She said the staff at ELA — about 14 or 15 scientists, researchers and technicians — are still digesting the news. “I think there are a lot of questions as to what is going to happen over the next few months. Will this announcement change conditions and ease restrictions that have been put up? We’ll see.”
Orihel said everyone is supportive of the IISD but she cautioned that this isn’t a deal, not yet.
“Let’s hope it turns into something tangible,” she said. “We are definitely more hopeful now.”
Original Article
Source: thestar.com
Author: Raveena Aulakh
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