ABSTRACT
Lakes attract people, industry, and commerce, because lakes (and rivers) provide an excellent mode of transportation. Th ey are thus facing competitive exploitation and link to livelihoods of large populations and high levels of economic activity, such as fi shing and related industries that are an important source of gross domestic product (GDP), in addition to tourism, which can amount to billions of dollars. Lakes are also important in enhancing aquatic biodiversity, providing ecological services, generating hydro-power, providing a source of food, a source of drinking water supply, and creating areas for people to enjoy the aesthetic beauty and recreational activities that large lakes off er. More than 33 million people inhabit the Great Lakes Basin, including about a third of Canada’s population and 15% of United States’ population. Hence it is important to maintain the quality of lakes to support eco-system services. Since the Great Lakes in North America are trans-boundary, instruments and institutions are needed for shared water governance. Th e history of these institutions can be traced back to 1909.
