Summary

Students from Michigan State University were seeking a better way for stakeholders in the Great Lakes region to promote positive environmental change. They launched the Great Lakes Wiki in the fall of 2006. The site helps citizens, students, policy makers, scientists, environmentalists, business operators, and government entities such NOAA and EPA collaboratively publish news and information about the Great Lakes region's ecology, culture, economy, and recreational offerings.

Business Challenge

Students from Michigan State University were seeking a better way for stakeholders in the Great Lakes region to promote positive environmental change.

Approach Taken

Michigan State University launched the Great Lakes Wiki in the fall of 2006. The site helps citizens, students, policy makers, scientists, environmentalists, business operators, and government entities such NOAA and EPA collaboratively publish news and information about the Great Lakes region's ecology, culture, economy, and recreational offerings.

Image created by Karle Gude.
Available at: http://greatlakeswiki.org/index.php/Image:Mapaoc.jpg

Results Achieved (metrics)

The Great Lakes Wiki has resulted in a tremendous amount of collaboration that allows readers to access environmental information from diverse points of view.

Lessons Learned

The Great Lakes Wiki has become a shining example of the use of Web 2.0 It has sped the flow of information, knowledge, and news about one of the world's greatest natural resources.