Sadly, anywhere from 40% to 70% of the wetlands around the prairies of North America have been destroyed since European settlers came to the area. The small farms and the tiny towns that used to be in these regions aren’t as prominent as they once were. In the province of Saskatchewan, there has been a reduction since 1940 of about 50% of the population and about 75% of the farmland.
Philip Loring, an anthropologist, and Donald Selby, a film maker, take a closer look at the conflicts throughout the prairies of Canada. There is plenty of controversy surrounding the agricultural needs and the wetlands. Conserving the wetlands is necessary for plants, animals, and the large volume of waterfowl to thrive.
Others argue this land along the prairies in Canada should be used by farmers. 40% of the crops for Canada come from the farm land around Saskatchewan. The way water and land are properly managed in these areas is vital for all ecosystems, the economy, and survival. There are challenges and barriers, and the overall goal is deciding what is in the best interest for these ecosystems and the needs of humans.
Discussions with farmers, engineers, scientists, environmentalists, and leaders of the Indigenous people enlightened this subject. They answered the difficult questions and helped find solutions that were mutually beneficial. Visit www.conservationofchange.org to discover more about The Conservation of Change Lab.