International Joint Commission

the lakes but there are discernible probabilities and possibilities. These prospects should be
considered in shaping theagendas ofthe Commission and its Board during thecoming decade.
Today, more than ever, the Commission needs an independent, forward-looking Board.
To achieve the basinwide, comprehensive, integrative objectives of the Water Quality Agreements
there must be a focal point for the coordination of policy and action. At present, the
Commission is not fully empowered to occupy this position. But, it is the one institution best
able to facilitate a holistic, basin-wide approach to the remediation of accumulated damage to
the lakes and to the restoration of their ecological integrity. However good their intentions, the
multiple agencies of the Parties, in fulfilling their designated missions, will never be able to
provide the unifying, coordinative pressure thatthe achievement of the binational commitment
to a sustainable Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem requires.
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