Warming temperatures, extreme precipitation events, variable lake levels , and shifting ice cover patterns are compounding existing challenges such as habitat loss, invasive species, and pollution. To safeguard these vital ecosystems, municipalities and wetland managers must rethink how we plan, protect, and restore these ecosystems. 

GEI partnered with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to advance a strategic, forward-looking response to climate change. Funded by the Great Lakes Protection Initiative, this multi-year effort assessed the climate vulnerability of coastal wetlands and produced practical, science-based tools for adaptation. The outcome: a strong foundation for resilient, climate-informed wetland management planning. 

Key outcomes from the project included:  

• A deeper understanding of coastal wetland vulnerability to future climate conditions. 

• A flexible climate adaptation framework outlining 6 core strategies, 17 adaptive measures, and over 150 tailored actions to enhance wetland resilience. 

• Identification of policy and management gaps to guide future research, planning, and governance improvements. 

GEI played a central role in bringing diverse voices to the table and translating them into actionable outcomes. By designing and facilitating targeted workshops with municipal leaders, conservation authorities, Indigenous communities, and other key stakeholders, we ensured that project recommendations were grounded in real-world priorities and local knowledge. This collaborative, inclusive approach strengthened the final strategies—making them not only technically sound, but also practical, inclusive, and implementation-ready. 

The deliverables from this initiative provide a strong foundation for informed decision-making in areas such as shoreline infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and long-term land use planning. The adaptation strategies developed through the work demonstrate a comprehensive approach that enables wetland managers and policy leaders to: 

• Anticipate and respond to evolving climate risks 

• Maintain essential ecosystem services 

• Align local initiatives with broader climate and infrastructure objectives 

• Contribute to the protection of community well-being, biodiversity, and regional economic resilience 

GEI continues to bridge the gap between climate science and real-world solutions—helping communities safeguard their natural and built environments. By advancing integrated, climate-informed planning, we’re supporting a more resilient future for the Great Lakes region—where people, nature, and infrastructure can thrive together.