Collaborative Governance and the Protection and Restoration of the Great Lakes

Day and Thomas discuss the economic and environmental importance of the Great Lakes region, particularly in relation to the "rust belt" and the "Blue Economy." It highlights the efforts of the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers to grow the region's economy while protecting the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The creation of a binding framework to manage and protect the water supply of the Great Lakes is also mentioned, along with the collaborative governance model at the local municipal level. The text then introduces the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which provides funding for the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes ecosystem. The collaborative nature of organizations in the region is emphasized, as well as the ongoing efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes.