A Strategic Plan for the Great Lakes Commission

Communication and Education
Our goal: The Commission raises public awareness of ecosystem management and the links between environmental quality and economic viability. The Commission educates and empowers government, citizens and other stakeholders to effectively participate in decisions affecting the future of the region.

Objective #1 of 4
Foster public stewardship and understanding of ecosystem management.

• Develop a dynamic Great Lakes atlas as a repository for reference information on the Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN).
• Create new content on GLIN to synthesize and interpret information; make complex topics understandable to a lay audience; and engage the public in solutions.
• Provide pass-through funds from federal or other sources to states, provinces or local entities for monitoring, cleanup and education programs, such as through the Great Lakes Basin Program for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.

Objective #2 of 4
Maximize the use of information technologies in communication and education programs throughout the region by providing leadership, infrastructure and support for Internet-accessible resources.

• Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and related technology and communication mechanisms to GLIN and associated websites to enhance their effectiveness in disseminating information. Customize and target these technologies to the needs of specific audiences.
• Enhance the use of two-way communication mechanisms, such as web conferencing, community-driven encyclopedias (wikis) and discussion forums, on GLIN and associated websites.
• Develop training and web-based tutorials to better enable the Great Lakes constituency to use information technologies.

Objective #3 of 4
Inform and advise state/provincial decisionmakers about Great Lakes issues on a regional, binational and international scale.

• Implement a Communications Strategy for the Great Lakes Commission to provide guidance on key messages and optimal delivery mechanisms for various audiences.
• Expand the content, delivery and audience demographic of GLIN Daily News.

Objective #4 of 4
Support efforts to promote Great Lakes tourism, marine transportation and other water-based activities. The Commission will complement the work of others in this area and, where appropriate, will lead efforts to coordinate regional activities or pool resources.

• Enhance GLIN’s capacity to be a clearinghouse for Great Lakes Circle Tour information.
• Convene state/provincial tourism bureaus to enhance Circle Tour offerings and coordination, and identify new opportunities.
• Support programs that encourage responsible practices by Great Lakes recreational users to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Promote the benefits of marine transportation, including pollution savings and economic advantages as a transportation artery of the continent, while acknowledging the impacts on the environment and other users.