Enviro-Actions^TM

Establishing environmental observatories and providing tools and systems for industrial and port zones across Quebec’s maritime territory.

Context

Several studies have shown that human activities impact the environment, ecosystems and biodiversity. It is therefore crucial that we understand the environmental stress factors in industrial-port zones and keep an eye on changes in the fundamental natural conditions.

Following the success of the Baie de Sept-Îles Environmental Observatory project and to adapt the knowledge gained therein, INREST has developed Enviro-Actions, a preventive management model that meets the specific needs of economic development managers in industrial-port zones.

Objectives

• Establish environmental observatories in industrial-port zones across Quebec’s maritime territory.
• Set up a near-real-time environmental monitoring mechanism by equipping industrial-port zones with the tools and systems needed to obtain an up-to-date portrait of the quality of the environment.
• Ensure a cohesive management approach through the involvement of multidisciplinary experts, enabling us to understand the current state of the identified industrial-port zone from existing data.
• Adapt existing protocols to measure and predict environmental impact on the ecosystem of the industrial-port zone, allowing for preventive rather than responsive management.
• Support stakeholders through their decision-making process and environmental management, to promote sustainable development (maritime transport, port administration, municipalities, etc.)
• Address the community’s expectations and concerns, thereby fostering social acceptability.

An international program showcasing innovative and ambitious projects

UNESCO has developed an international network of scientists and decision makers to showcase tangible initiatives that advance knowledge about the oceans and sustainable human development through 2030.

Enviro-Actions is one of the first Canadian projects to have been selected to join the network within the Ocean Cities program. Furthermore, it was promoted in a major communications campaign ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, in June 2025.