Designing a Sustainable Future through Creation of North America’s only International Wildlife Refuge

• Published in: Sustainability
• Main Authors: Michael A. Zarull, Rebecca S. Robinson, John H. Hartig
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2010
• Subjects: sustainable development; adaptive management; international wildlife refuge; Environmental effects of industries and plants; TD194-195; Renewable energy sources; TJ807-830; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Detroit; Common tern
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.3390/su2093110; https://doaj.org/article/0ca5e7a0d72549be810b72209254a1c4

In 2001, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge was established based on the principles of conservation and sustainability. The refuge has grown from 49.1 ha in 2001 to over 2,300 ha in 2010. Agreement on a compelling vision for a sustainable future was necessary to rally stakeholders and move them forward together. Project examples include: lake sturgeon and common tern restoration; soft shoreline engineering; ecotourism; sustainable redevelopment of a brownfield; and indicator reporting. Key success factors include: a consensus long-term vision; a multi-stakeholder process that achieves cooperative learning; strong coupling of monitoring/research programs with management; implementing actions consistent with adaptive management; measuring and celebrating successes; quantifying benefits; building capacity; and developing the next generation of sustainability practitioners and entrepreneurs.