Research | Education | Social change
December 2018-TBD 2023
Grand-Erie Study
This project comprised Dr. Ho-Tassone's PhD research. To ensure full transparency and access to information for community partners, all research materials, reports, and copies of/links to other dissemination can be found below. Aside from the featured items (which are listed in reverse chronological order), study documents and other Items are organized in two ways: first, reverse chronologically according to their year, and then listed within each year in chronological order.
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Listen to Song for the Water, produced by Logan Staats, Rob
Lamothe, Suzie Miller, and about 200 community members
as part of a partnered project (Great Art for Great Lakes) -
read more (including lyrics) or download for free here!
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FUNDING INFORMATION
This research was part of the nationwide Global Water Futures research initiative at University of Waterloo (Lake Futures group). Global Water Futures was funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund in partnership with participating institutions. The research was also supported by the University of Waterloo.
Featured outcomes 2021-2023
Publication
Knowledge co-creation through Indigenous arts: Diversity in freshwater quality monitoring and management
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A discussion and focus on Indigenizing water quality science and the processes used to engage with community. We use a case study from the PhD research (Indigenous youth arts) to exemplify our discussion and recommendations. This paper is viewable for free.
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In press March 16, 2023
Published TBD 2023
View special issue here.
Publication
Collaborative watershed analysis: A ‘groupthink’ assessment of cumulative effects
Expanded upon since the dissertation, we consider an approach (developed during the PhD research) to bring Indigenous and Western knowledge approaches together to assess cumulative effects in water quality. This paper is viewable for free.
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In press December 1, 2022
Published TBD 2023
View special issue here.
Final dissertation
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The final dissertation accepted by the PhD committee, revised after a July 2021 defense. The document can be downloaded at the UWspace repository using the linked image above.
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October 1, 2021
2021
Study Document
Summary of results: Indicator workshop​
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A summary of findings from the December 7, 2020 workshop (held virtually) in which scientists and others discussed how to measure cumulative effects of nutrients on Cladophora/algae in the study area.
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January 4, 2021
Study Document
Summary of results: Key informant interviews​
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A summary of findings from interviews with water managers, scientists, researchers and other practitioners/experts in 2019. This information formed the foundation of this study.
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January 4, 2021
News feature
A brief discussion on treaties, building relationships, reciprocity​, diverse perspectives, and guiding principles. The Conversation is an innovative reserach-news outlet that reports on verified information and publishes vetted authors only. Read the article here.
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March 18, 2021
Presentation
Comparison of freshwater monitoring approaches: strengths, opportunities, and recommendations
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A presentation to the Southern Ontario Stream Monitoring and Research Team (SOSMART), formerly known as the Lake Ontario Modeling Team (LOMT). This presentation focuses on one part of the Grand-Erie Study, which was published in a paper in 2020.
March 23, 2021
Web feature
Reconceptualizing water quality monitoring
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Results from interviews with water quality monitoring practiioners in Ontario are summarized in this online feature by Water Canada. "Broad reconciliation and a culture shift towards holistic thinking are needed to unite diverse persons for knowledge co-creation and sharing. Integrating monitoring and sustainability may help us overcome longstanding limitations or challenges regarding capacity, coordination, and linkages with management/decisions, and may enable a new vision of collaborative and equitable water stewardship."
May 3, 2021
Presentation
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I hosted a virtual table to discuss the Grand Expressions virtual art exhibit at the Virtual Water Gallery social event – part of the Global Water Futures Annual Open Science Meeting. This presentation was offered as an introduction to the pieces and a catalyst for discussion.
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May 18, 2021
Poster
Community-based, cumulative effects monitoring through decolonization
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As Canada moves towards a mandate for reconciliation with Indigenous communities, ignoring the challenge of bringing together different ways of knowing is no longer acceptable. This poster discusses reserach co-created by local practitioners and Indigenous persons. Download the poster by clicking the title or image above. The audio presentation of the poster is below (open the PDF poster linked above to see what the audio is referring to). A transcript of the audio file is here.
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May 19, 2021
Presentation
Cumulative effects monitoring in the Grand River and Lake Erie
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This presentation was delivered as part of IAGLR 2021's concurrent sessions. The session title is Analysis of cumulative impacts on the environment. Watch the ​presentation above and download the slides here.
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May 19, 2021
2020
Blog
SERS blog story
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A short story published on the blog of the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability (University of Waterloo) discussing the importance of engaging with people in different and meaningful ways.​
January 8, 2020
Study Document
Information letter - Music for the Spirit & Indigenous Art
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Information and consent form for your of the Music for the Spirit & Indigenous Art program to participate in the research.
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January 13, 2020
Study Document
Summary report (private) - Canadian Water Resources Association Workshop report​
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Report ​summarizing the talks, activities and discussions at the May 26, 2019 conference workshop (CWRA National Conference - Collingwood, ON).
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January 18, 2020
Study Document
Photojournalism: a resource manual​
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Printed resource material provided to youth in the Music for the Spirit & Indigenous Arts program. This manual accompanied a workshop presentation by Ann Alimi.​
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January 20, 2020
Study Document
Summary of results: GAGL Feedback forms
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A summary of findings from the 2019 Great Art for Great Lakes program (public questionnaires).​
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February 9, 2020
Presentation
Artist information session presentation to Port Rowan​
An overview of Lake Erie and a brief introduction to the Grand-Erie study (including Grand Expressions) and other research in the area.
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March 19, 2020
Study Document
Grand Expressions Self-guided (virtual) Tour​ (v3)
Artwork and stories by Indigenous youth from Six Nations of the Grand River. Themed around their individual and traditional relationships with water.​
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Version 1: April 9, 2020
Version 2: August 3, 2020
Version 3: October 20, 2020
Web feature
Grand Expressions self-guided tour
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University of Waterloo Water Institute features the Grand Expressions exhibit project on their website news.
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April 15, 2020
Presentation
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A presentation to the Environmental Studies Association of Canada (CONGRESS 2020) ​on collaborative research and knowledge creation.
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June 1, 2020
Web feature
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A story featured by the Courtenay Lab (Dr. Simon Courtenay), School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, University of Waterloo.​
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August 19, 2020
Event
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THEMUSEUM in Kitchener is hosting the Grand Expressions virtual exhibit until the end of January 2021. ​ Click the image above to read the website description, or click here to read our related blog post.
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August 25, 2020
Web feature
Featured by the Water Institute
The Water Institute​ promotes our presence at THEMUSEUM in its news feed.
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August 31, 2020
Publication
Comparison of freshwater monitoring approaches: strengths, opportunities, and recommendations
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Strengths and weaknesses from nine water monitoring programs or frameworks are reviewed based on 22 criteria.​ Opportunities for improving monitoring and five recommendations are discussed. This paper is viewable for free.
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September 1, 2020
Study Document
Summary of results: Grand Expressions Art Exhibit​
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A summary of findings from the 2020 Grand Expressions art exhibit/virtual tour.​
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September 1, 2020
Presentation
A new approach and lessons learned: how co-creation, shared spaces, and diversity can improve water monitoring design
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Part of the Lake Futures Webinar Series, Elaine presents the draft monitoring framework as well as lessons learned and challenges overcome in the co-creation process. Click the video above to watch the webinar, or download the presentation slides here. In addition, a one-page summary of the presentation can be accessed here.
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September 16, 2020
E-news feature
Featured by Global Water Futures
The Global Water Futures ​initiative involves over 400 researchers (in addition to their networks) across Canada in the largest university-led water research initiative in history. Grand Expressions was featured in their September e-news.
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September 2, 2020
Web feature
Featured by University of Waterloo
Our research was highlighted on the University of Waterloo homepage banner (frontline). We were the first thing people saw when they went to the university's website!​
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September 18, 2020
Study Document
Pre-workshop materials - framework breakdown
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Part of the mandatory review package for participants of the ​October 5 end user workshop.
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September 22, 2020
Study Document
Pre-workshop materials - historical treaties backgrounder
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Part of the mandatory review package for participants of the ​October 5 end user workshop.
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September 22, 2020
Study Document
Pre-workshop materials - information and agenda
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Part of the mandatory review package for participants of the ​October 5 end user workshop.
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September 22, 2020
Presentation
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Presentation slides used during the October 5 end user workshop.​
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October 5, 2020
Magazine feature
Featured by the Canadian Water Resources Association
The CWRA publishes a feature story on Grand Expressions in the Fall 2020 edition of Water News. The full issue is available to members only - register here.
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October 16, 2020
Study Document
Summary of results: End user workshop​
A summary of findings from the October 5, 2020 workshop (held virtually) in which potential end users reviewed and contributed to the redesign of the proposed monitoring framework.
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October 20, 2020
Magazine feature
Building new ways to improve the diversity of community water management. We highlight various aspects of this study and describe three approaches to consider for ensuring water management is meaningful to its diverse communities. Download the full issue here.
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November 4, 2020
Presentation
8th Annual Research and Conservation conference slides​
Slides presented at the virtual conference hosted by Long Point Biosphere Reserve Foundation.​
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November 6, 2020
Presentation
Riversymposium conference slides​
Slides presented at the first ever Virtual International Riversymposium.​
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November 10, 2020
Study Document
Workshop Information Letter​
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Workshop details provided to all participants of the indicators workshop​.
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November 11, 2020
Study Document
Workshop Preparatory Contributions​
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Pre-workshop activity provided to all participants of the indicators workshop​.
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November 11, 2020
E-feature
Featured by Canadian Rivers Institute: Does research matter to those we study?
A blog post on the Canadian Rivers Institute website that highlights recent collaborative work and discusses a responsibility of researchers to demand action for those communities they study.​
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November 25, 2020
Study Document
Workshop Information Package​
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Agenda and other information provided to all participants of the indicators workshop​.
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December 4, 2020
Study Document
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Criteria-based ranking process undertaken by participants during the indicators workshop​.
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December 4, 2020
2019
Poster (promo)
PARTNER CONTENT - Event poster inviting artists to lead a workshop as part of the Great Art for Great Lakes series
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General GAGL event promotion; region-specific posters (Norfolk, Six Nations and Haldimand County) were also produced/used.​
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February 28, 2019
Presentation
Artist information session presentation to Norfolk County​
An overview of Lake Erie, the Norfolk watershed and water system, and a brief introduction to the Grand-Erie study and other research in the area.
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March 19, 2019
Study Document
Information Letter - Great Art for Great Lakes workshops
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Information about the Grand-Erie study and how Great Art for Great Lakes feedback questionnaires will be used in the research.
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April 27, 2019
Study Document
Questionnaire and Great Art for Great Lakes feedback form
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Questionnaire used at GAGL events to collect feedback for our partner and data on public perspectives for the Grand-Erie study.​
April 27, 2019
Poster
Monitoring in the Grand-Erie Interface: a framework in consideration of cumulative effects
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Results of the ​monitoring review completed in November 2018 (improved and completed August 2019) as well as a review of exploratory results. Presented at the Global Water Futures Annual Science Meeting at University of Saskatchewan.
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May 16, 2019
Presentation
Workhop presented at the Canadian Water Resources Association National Conference
As part of participant observation, we partnered with another researcher to co-lead a workshop on engaging stakeholders and Indigenous rightsholders for water management purposes.
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May 26, 2019
Presentation
Draft paper presented at the Canadian Water Resources Association National Conference
Discussed early results of the Grand-Erie study and approaches we are taking to ensure the more equitable d​esign of water monitoring, management and related shared spaces.
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May 28, 2019
Presentation
A shared resource: Shared spaces, accessibility and collaboration in freshwater monitoring & management
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Highlighted how the Grand-Erie study ​uses collaborative approaches to promote equitable practice in water research and management.
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June 4, 2019
Presentation
Meaningful engagement and equity considerations in co-created research and action
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Panel presentation for the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development at at the Congress 2019​ conference. Presentation highlighted some challenges of academia for equitable research relationships, detailed lessons from multiple projects, and raised some guiding questions.
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June 6, 2019
Study Document
Information, Registration and Consent Letter - Photojournalism workshop
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Information about the study for participants in the photojournalim workshop, followed by consent form and workshop registration.
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June 9, 2019
Poster (promo)
Event poster promoting the photojournalism workshop
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Posted at various locations in Haldimand County.​
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June 9, 2019
E-poster (promo)
Online and email promotion for the photojournalism workshop
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Sent out on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and through various email lists.
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June 9, 2019
Study Document
Photojournalism workshop booklet​
What is photojournalism? How do I take a great photo? How do I submit an image to the photo competition? This booklet was used during the competition launch workshop.​
July 13, 2019
Journal feature
Opportunities for building climate resilience through watershed monitoring and reporting
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Summary of our journal article featured in the Water Institute's (University of Waterloo)
WaterResearch issue 6.
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Issue 6 - August 2019
Presentation
Video recording: ​Lacie's public workshop presentation
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Public presentation during one of Lacie Williamson's workshops (part of Great Art for Great Lakes).
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July 6, 2019
Presentation
Video recording: ​Suzanne and Holly's public workshop presentation
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Public presentation during one of Suzanne and Holly's workshops (part of Great Art for Great Lakes).
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August 14, 2019
Poster
Monitoring in the Grand-Erie Interface: a framework in consideration of cumulative effects
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Summarizing past results and future endeavors. Presented to water managers at the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA)/Global Water Futures water managers meeting, at the GRCA Headquarters.
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October 9, 2019
Presentation
Connecting water monitoring and management in the lower Grand River and nearshore Lake Erie​
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Presentation to the Water, Wastewater and Compliance group at Haldimand County. I introduced my research ​to the group and discussed Haldimand's interest in participating in the co-creation and potential implementation of the final water monitoring framework.
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October 25, 2019
Presentation
Addressing inclusivity and long-term social relevance of environmental monitoring, management and research​
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Presentation to the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve Foundation 7th Annual Research & Conservation Conference.
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November 8, 2019
2018
Presentation
Rethinking the framework: consideration of cumulative effects in (bio)monitoring in the lower Grand River and nearshore Lake Erie
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Presentation to the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Implementation Committee. The goal was to introduce the research to the Committee and discuss possibilities for the research to contribute to the Committee's current activities and decisions. Also, consultation on the direction of the research occurred.
May 2, 2018
Study Document
Information and Consent Letter - Key Informant Interviews
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Information about the study for Key Informant Interviews, followed by consent form.
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October 29, 2018
Poster
Comparative review of freshwater monitoring approaches towards consideration of cumulative effects.
Early outcomes of the initial​monitoring review completed in November 2018 (improved and completed August 2019). Presented at McMaster University World Water Week conference.
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November 20, 2018
Poster
Comparative review of freshwater monitoring approaches towards consideration of cumulative effects.
Early outcomes of the initial​monitoring review completed in November 2018 (improved and completed August 2019). Presented at the Global Water Futures stakeholder meeting at University of Waterloo.
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December 5, 2018