BIODIVERSITY YOUTH MENTORSHIP PROGRAM- OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA

Students from Notre Dame led the day's tour.  Since this past September, almost 6o youth from 14 schools have been involved. 

A winter look at our native butternut tree.

Bohemian and cedar waxwings were seen on winter berries. 

Feeding chickadees!

3rd module of our biodiversity mentorship program- Ottawa, CANADA

Our 3rd module of our biodiversity mentorship program took place today. Here were some of the guests for the Saturday program on Politics and Biodiversity.
Jessica Walsh Moreau- Biodiversity Youth Leader- Delegate at Nagoya for COP10
David Chernushenko - City of Ottawa councillor
Yasir Naqvi - Liberal MPP for Ottawa Centre, Liberal MPP for Ottawa Centre, President of the Provincial Liberal Party and former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education
Anil Naidoo - Ottawa Centre NDP candidate
Kevin O'Donnell - Ottawa Centre Green candidate
Growing Up Organic staff person to be named
Tom Marcantonio - Food Production Co-Ordinator at Woodpark CommunIty Association, local organic farmer/consultant
Judi Varga-Toth - Founder and Owner of Credible Edibles

45 students from 12 schools have participated in the program to date with 10 students completing all the modules today.  Twenty of our ASLA Grade 6-8 students are presently involved.  Mr. L.

First Canadian National Tree Day- Canadian Museum of Nature- September 21, 2011

Our first Biodiversity Youth Mentor, Tarin Rogers, represented the youth of Canada for the first national tree day celebrations. Guests included Hon. Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, Royal Galipeau, M.P. who introduced the motion to declare a National Tree Day for Canada, Steve Desroches, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ottawa, Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada, among others. Tarin spoke of the importance of trees and he discussed our ASLA Butternut Conservation Project at Macoun Marsh. 

Tarin presented a butternut seed to Michael Rosen, President of Tree Canada

Rare Native Butternut seeds were collected yesterday by our Grade 4 students (For replanting).

A sugar maple was planted on the museum grounds.

Official plaque unveiled

Mike Leveille 

Calgary Zoo black-tailed prairie dog research in Grasslands National Park- Canada

The Calgary Zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research, in collaboration with Parks Canada, is leading multi-year research on Canada’s only black-tailed prairie dog population, located in Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan. The research on this keystone species aims to determine what influences prairie dog distribution and population dynamics within the grassland ecosystem.

Black-tailed prairie dogs play a pivotal role in the short and mixed grass prairie. Known as ‘ecosystem engineers,’ they dig extensive burrow systems, which provide refuge for other grassland species. They are also a significant prey source for animals such as the recently reintroduced black-footed ferret. As specialist predators of prairie dogs, ferret recovery in Canada hinges on the health and persistence of prairie dog colonies.

Over the last century widespread pest control campaigns, habitat loss and disease caused the extirpation of prairie dogs from over 98 percent of their original North American distribution. Although Canada’s prairie dogs reside in a national park and are protected from anthropogenic threats, their small population size, isolation from other colonies and location on the northern edge of their range, may make them more vulnerable to extirpation. In order to evaluate their persistence or implement effective conservation strategies, a thorough understanding of the factors driving their distribution and abundance is needed.

Biologists from the Husky Energy Endangered Species Program at the Centre for Conservation Research use techniques such as live trapping, vegetation sampling, visual surveys and motion sensor cameras to assess size, density and overall health of the prairie dog colonies. The knowledge gained will be used to determine locations for the proposed black-footed ferret release this fall; to understand how climatic factors, resource availability and disease influence the restoration and persistence of the ferret-prairie dog system; and to inform current and future recovery strategies to ensure both ferrets and prairie dogs remain a part of this highly endangered ecosystem.

UEBT and CBD sign MOU to help stop biodiversity loss

Montreal, 18 August 2011 – In the context of the launching of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity, the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that seeks to contribute to the implementation of the CBD Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020.

The CBD Strategic Plan contains twenty targets designed to halt the loss of biodiversity and ensure that by 2020 ecosystems are resilient and continue to provide essential services. With this MOU, UEBT and the CBD Secretariat will work together on key issues of this strategic plan, particularly on increasing public awareness of biodiversity, promoting the engagement of the business community in biodiversity protection and putting in practice the equitable sharing of benefits that result from biodiversity use.

The MOU was signed by the CBD Executive Secretary Dr. Ahmed Djoghlaf and UEBT’s Executive Director Rik Kutsch Lojenga at a signing ceremony held in Geneva, Switzerland on 18 August, 2011.

Activities under the MOU will include UEBT providing regular inputs on biodiversity awareness using its annual biodiversity awareness study, the Biodiversity Barometer. In addition, the two organisations will work together to communicate on the value of biodiversity to target groups such as the business community. The United Nations Decade on Biodiversity should prove, as did the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, an opportunity for increased business awareness and engagement in biodiversity issues. The UEBT 2011 Biodiversity Barometer revealed that one out of three consumers surveyed had heard about the International Year of Biodiversity.

Engaging the private sector in biodiversity protection is another important element in the collaboration between the CBD Secretariat and UEBT.

Next Biodiversitymatters Youth Meeting- Ottawa, Canada

It is an exciting time to work on biodiversity issues!  Our next meeting will be at 641 Sladen on Saturday, August 27, 2011 (10 to noon).  Hope to see you there! Please let us know if you are attending or skyping with us.     Mike Leveille (Director)

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WORLD’S

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

9 August 2011 (CBD)

On the occasion of the International Day of Indigenous Peoples, we pay tribute to the indigenous peoples for their contributions to knowledge, innovations and practices in the conservation of biodiversity on Earth. In its preamble and articles, the Convention on Biological Diversity recognizes the pivotal role of indigenous peoples and local communities and their traditional knowledge in the conservation of life on Earth.

For indigenous peoples, the relationship with biodiversity, which the Quechua and Aymara call Pachamama (Mother Earth) has developed valuable skills that are manifested in the form of stories, songs, art, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, languages, agricultural practices, among others. These cultural expressions, from traditional oral tradition to rich artistic expressions such as singing, dancing, painting, sculpting and carving have taken place over millennia. This traditional knowledge is expressed in a way that preserves biodiversity and its continuation is very important in achieving the objectives of the Convention.

Struggle against invasive species remains important goal for global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity

Montreal, 1 August 2011 – The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity has expressed support for a recent call from conservation organizations for continued action against invasive species.

On 22 July, the magazine Science published a letter from senior leaders of the world most authoritative conservation organizations entitled “Invasives: A Major Conservation Threat”. The purpose of the letter was to respond to recent positions that have argued against the struggle against invasive species.

In the letter, the leaders of IUCN, Birdlife, WWF, Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, Fauna and Flora International, and Island Conservation indicated that recent discussions on alternative strategies to the management of invasive species should not undermine ongoing efforts to prevent and mitigate the impacts of invasive species.

The authors of the letter stress that as invasive species are indeed a major cause of biodiversity loss continued aggressive intervention is needed to capitalize on recent successes. Therefore, conservation leaders call the global community to work together to control the most harmful invasive species, and to meet target 9 of Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, which calls for action to control invasives.

“Invasive species are a subtle threat to the natural balance of species and ecosystems, but can suddenly occur in explosive outbreaks. For this reason, the global Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 includes a specific target on this issue” said Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive Secretary to the Convention on Biological Diversity. He added that: “We warmly welcome the letter published in Science – signed by an impressive list of leaders of conservation organizations – because it confirms the commitment of the conservation community to address this threat. Preventing and mitigating the negative effects of invasions is indeed a huge challenge, and the cooperation of the NGOs is of crucial importance.”

For additional information, please contact: David Ainsworth on +1 514 287 7025 or at david.ainsworth@cbd.int; or Johan Hedlund on +1 514 287 6670 or at johan.hedlund@cbd.int.

The Volvo Adventure in Göteberg, Sweden

The Volvo Adventure - in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme - is an educational programme that rewards environmental activities and the decision-makers of the future.  Young, environmentally-conscious schoolchildren from around the globe competed at the 10th annual event of its kind in Göteberg, Sweden, on the 8th of June 2011 to seek recognition and support for their life-changing ideas. The top three winners are:
1st prize- We DODGE (US $10,000)
The Chinese team an awareness campaiign to ifluence people to change their habits of using disposable chopsticks.

2nd prize- Think Globally, Eat Locally (US $6,000)
The UK team launched a campaign to educate children about the negative effects of importing out-of-season foods.

3rd prize- Every Step Counts! (US $4,000)
The Malaysian team conducted 10 elaborately planned activiteis that resulted in lowering CO2 emissions.

What is new at the Macoun Marsh in Ottawa, Canada?

2 wasp stings- one on each hand!

For those who study biodiversity in Canada, July is certainly the most exciting time.  It is in midsummer that a menagerie of life is out and about.  Keep alert with all your senses as not all life forms are friendly.  Recently several people have received wasp stings at our Macoun Marsh, on the west side to be exact.  Obviously there is a wasp or bee nest in this area, so stay clear. We have also discovered two stinging nettle species at the marsh.  The slender form is not very dangerous, but watch out for the broad-leafed form with its little hairs filled with formic acid.

The redwings and grackles are still guarding their nests and chicks.  This will continue for another two weeks or so.  Amphibians are not calling as much now, but there are tree frog larvae and green frog tadpoles in the water.  Young toads have emerged from the water.  Rabbits, squirrels, and woodchucks are very common as many babies were born this year.  

Many plants are producing fruit such as the black raspberry, red raspberry, apple, dogwoods, and honeysuckle.  Raspberries are very good for eating.  Our endangered butternut tree is producing fruit.  Once these seeds ripen in late August we can begin to collect them for replanting. 

Mayflies, backswimmers, and water fleas are the most common aquatic arthropods right now.  If you are very observant you might see the stick-like water scorpion swimming at the surface of the water.

Come on out to our marsh and bring your curiosity- some bug repellent too- unless you are trying to attract bugs. 

Mike Leveille

2011 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program

Congratulations to Christina Vietinghoff from New Maryland, New Brunswick for her regional win with the 2011 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship.  She played an important part in the Biodiversitymatter's Symposium in 2009 and the development of our Youth Accord for Biodiversity.  Christina travelled to Japan last year to present this Accord to NGOs and Government leaders.  Congratulations Christina.  To see more winners check out http://www.earthday.ca/scholarship/winners.php 

MACOUN MARSH UPDATE (OTTAWA, CANADA)

Here are some images from today:

Image above:  Green frog male

Image above:  Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica)

Image above: Baby American toad

      Image above: Eastern Comma (Polygonia comma)

Image above: Metallic wood boring beetle

(Dicerca divaricata)

Images by Michael Leveille

MORE IMAGES OF THE BIODIVERSITY OF YELLOWKNIFE, NWT

Muskox (Ovibos moschatus)

Summer landscape

Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)

White-dotted prominent (Nadata gibbosa)

Large urban dragonfly

Flowers growing on rock

Raven (Corvus corax) 

Photos by Michael Leveille 2011

CANADIAN WILDLIFE FEDERATION CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS- YELLOWKNIFE, NWT

YOUTH CONSERVATION AWARD

Brendan and Jonathan Judson from Ladysmith, B.C.

Stocking Creek Restoration Project

YOUTH MENTOR AWARD

Michael Leveille from Ottawa, Canada

Biodiversitymatters and the Macoun Marsh Biodiversity Project

TUNZA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN & YOUTH CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

ORGANISED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME IN COOPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF INDONESIA
BANDUNG, INDONESIA
26 - 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

THEME: Reshaping Our future through A Green Economy and Sustainable Lifestyle

Check out:
http://unep.org/tunza/youth/conferences_events/tiyc2011/default.asp?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=250&width=400

Conservation at Durrell 2011-2015 (UK)

See the Durrell Conservation Programme here: http://www.durrell.org/Home/Conservation//
Image above from the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust

INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DAY- YOUTH GATHERING IN OTTAWA, CANADA

About 40 Ottawa area young people took part in today's wonderful conference on sustainability and biodiversity.  It was hosted by Ashbury College partnered with St-Laurent Academy and Biodiversitymatters. 

Our keynote address was by green economy educator and Ottawa City Councillor David Chernushenko.

We had a presentation by Genevieve Grossenbacher from USC Canada.  She discussed our food choices and how to vote with our fork!

Hugh Robertson, his wife, and son put 1 bag of garbage out during a three year period.  He discussed how he did it and the morality around climate change.

Little Ray's Reptiles presented endangered species during lunch. 

A soft-shelled turtle!

Being a tree for "Darth Vader" the Eastern Ratsnake

Albino snapping turtle

This is a big turtle!

Raptor discussions and how DDT affected them in the past.

Chafic brought his pet bearded dragons.

Canadian Museum of Nature scientist Noel Alfonso presented on taxonomy and particularily on fish biology.

Torry Reid from Organic Growers discussed our local food choices. 

Our biodiversity poster.

We planted an oak and a spruce on the grounds of Ashbury College.

Youth of all ages took part!

A special thank you to Ashbury College for hosting the event, Gillian, ASLA, and all the organizers from Biodiversitymatters.

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Run for Biodiversity! (Ottawa, Canada)

Help USC Canada sweat the big stuff this May in Ottawa

Run for Biodiversity!

Are you a passionate runner, or perhaps love jogging or going for long walks? Would you like to experience the beauty of the nation’s capital in May, when nature has sprung back to life, biodiversity is thriving, and the tulips are in full bloom?

If you answered yes to these questions, then USC Canada warmly invites you to join us for a uniquely healthy and meaningful experience:

·         Come visit Ottawa at a beautiful time of the year

·         Run or walk in one of the six events on Race Weekend, May 28-29

·         Help raise funds for USC’s work with farmers in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

We call it our Run for Biodiversity, in honour of the millions of farming families who help nurture and preserve our planet’s biological diversity. Biodiversity is all about food and farmers. It is the essential ingredient that both nourishes and is nourished by USC’s partner communities around the world. Much is at stake for us all, and in a real sense, USC is helping farmers plant the Seeds of our very Survival.

How do I register to Run for Biodiversity?

USC Canada has been selected as an official Participating Charity in the Ottawa Race Weekend. To support USC and Run for Biodiversity, it’s as easy as one, two, three!

1.   Runners should first register through the Ottawa Race Weekend as regular participants. NB: during the registration process, you do not need to specify you are participating in USC’s Run for Biodiversity, this is done during Step Two below.

2.   Runners should contact David Rain at rain@usc-canada.org indicating they are Running for Biodiversity.

3.   David will contact all Running for Biodiversity Team members to coordinate our fundraising efforts leading up to Race Weekend in May.

All are welcome, so don’t be shy. There are race events for all shapes, ages, and sizes – from the 2 km family run/walk all the way up to the full 42 km marathon!

LOCAL CONFERENCE ON BIODIVERSITY- OTTAWA, ONTARIO (MAY 22)

Biodiversity Youth Conference at Ashbury College in partnership with ASLA school and Biodiversitymatters. (GRADES 6-12)
Keynote: David Chernushenko (Ottawa City Councillor, Capital Ward, and former Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada)

Workshops by the Little Ray's Reptiles, Ottawa Riverkeepers, USC Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, Recycler extraordinary- Hugh Robertson, and the Organic Growers.
Image: Mike Leveille 2011

Aichi Biodiversity Targets (Source: CBD)

Strategic Goal A: Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society

Strategic Goal B: Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use

Strategic Goal C: To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity

Strategic Goal D: Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services

Strategic Goal E: Enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building