The Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) has helped fund two major projects recently.
The Alberta WaterPortal developed case studies, an interactive simulation and Sankey diagram for users to explore the implications of the convergence of demands for water in the Bow River Basin. Known as the Nexus, this concept highlights the interconnectedness of water for food, energy and communities.
A first in Alberta, the Alberta Nexus Project analysed strategic plans as well as existing watershed and industry data within the Bow River Basin to create an interactive simulation that shows the influence of future water demand on overall water management and availability on a regional basis. Users can try their hand at water management to see how well they can manage the demands of water, in addition to population growth and climatic change, in 2030.
AREF also supports the Alberta Emerald Awards, which shines a light on hundreds of environmental success stories.
“Since we began in 1992, the Emerald Awards have showcased 280 recipients from across Alberta in sectors from business, government, youth, individual schools and more, each with its own unique environmental success story,” says Carmen Boyko, executive director of the Alberta Emerald Foundation.
AREF supports the Emerald Awards’ Shared Footprint category to celebrate projects that go beyond normal land management to have a positive impact on the environment. “Recipients of the Shared Footprints Award go above and beyond land and water stewardship, building and shared knowledge, improving air quality and reducing land disturbances,” says Boyko. “AREF’s support with this category has been invaluable.”
