Sustainable Development Strategy – 2001-2003

Conclusion

• We have tried in this document to set out clearly the contribution that DFO plans to make toward the Government's sustainable development objectives over the next three years. The commitments in the Action Plan are those for which we are prepared to be held accountable. We have focussed on incremental change and on initiatives where we can be most effective. We have acknowledged the need to develop management systems to encourage continuous learning and effective implementation. Our commitments incorporate the flexibility to introduce new commitments during the term of the Strategy and to adjust those which are not advancing as they should. It is clear, however, that a plan to advance sustainable development can never be developed in isolation. DFO's new sustainable development strategy recognizes that successful implementation is a collaborative venture and will depend upon the contributions of many partners and supporters, including other levels of government, Aboriginal groups, stakeholders in the private sector, the volunteer sector, the general public and finally our international partners. Managing and protecting Canada's oceans and freshwater resources is a task of immense importance for Canada's economic prosperity and our quality of life, now and in the future.