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HIGHLIGHTS IN BIODIVERSITY AND YOUTH 2012

 Youth were well represented at COP11 in Hyderabad, India

 The Global Youth Biodiversity Network became official in Berlin, Germany.

 Youth were also involved at the UN conference on sustainable development in Rio. 

 Youth in Canada gave out international, national, and local awards for biodiversity initiatives. 

In Denver, Colorado youth came together for the National Green School's Environmental Conference.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Best wishes from all of us at Biodiversitymatters!

BIODIVERSITY AWARDS GALA- OTTAWA, CANADA

 

 1st Biodiversity Awards Gala

 

 Our winners- Protectors of our Natural Heritage!

Biodiversity Gala event

Dayna Noltie and the Global Youth Biodiversity Network

Youth Biodiversity Award

Nominated by Biodiversitymatters

Fauna- a Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Gloria Grow (Montreal)

Excellence in Animal Welfare 

Nominated by St-Laurent Academy

The GYBN

Join the Global Youth Biodiversity Network -
apply now for your ticket to Berlin!

The idea behind GYBN is to create a global youth network that unites young people and youth organizations from all parts of the world and all walks of life through one common goal: To halt the loss of Biodiversity as soon as possible!GYBN's mission is to provide a global platform to get in touch with each other and have the opportunity to join forces for the protection of biological diversity on our planet. GYBN also aims to become the international coordination platform for youth participation in the CBD and is committed to bring the opinions and positions of youth into the negotiations. It is officially supported by the CBD Secretariat.

From August 21st to 27th 2012 NAJU (German Youth Association for the Protection of Nature) will host the GYBN Kick-Off Conference in Berlin and bring together 35 young environmentalists from all parts of the
world to establish the global youth biodiversity network.

Biodiversity loss doesn't stop at national borders! This is your chance to get connected with like-minded young people and youth organizations from all over the world. Be a part of the solution and help to halt the loss of Biodiversity.
Application
The number of participants is strictly limited and will be selected according to the application.
Please fill in the questionnaire on:www.naju.de/english/gybn
Deadline
10th of May 2012
Fee50,00 EURO (Board and lodging will be provided. Up to 75 % of the travel costs can be reimbursed after handing in the original tickets. )
Contact
Juliane Rosin, Juliane.Rosin@NAJU.de
NAJU im NABU
Charitéstr. 3
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)30 284 984 1924
Fax: + 49 (0)30 284 984 2900www.NAJU.de/english/gybn

The gybn kick-off conference will be funded by the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt für Naturschutz, BfN).

Logo gybn kick-off conference: Gigih Septianto, Daniel Henkel

The “Green Space Challenge”

Dear biodiversity enthusiasts,

We would like to inform you of a youth environmental challenge to engage young people in helping to protect our planet’s natural heritage. The “Green Space Challenge” encourages schools and community clubs to adopt local habitats and/or species to promote community conservation. This is not a competition- it is a global challenge.

Our proven model known as the Macoun Marsh Biodiversity Project began in 2004 with several Canadian schools working together to preserve an urban wetland. The international success of this program has launched this challenge initiative. We hope to develop many partnerships along the way!

This networking program will be continually featured on our international blog at biodiversitymatters.org.

Jessica Walsh Moreau
Biodiversity Youth Champion

Jessica Walsh Moreau presently attends Grade12 at St-Francis Xavier Catholic High School in Ottawa, Canada. Winner of the 2006 Volvo Adventure Award (Macoun Marsh Project) and the 2011 "Leading Girls Building Communities Award". She was the Youth Coordinator for the 2009 Youth Symposium for Biodiversity and attended COP10, in Nagoya Japan, presenting the 2010 International Youth Accord for Biodiversity.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

From Biodiversitymatters.org

Invitation for project submission for the Third International Youth Symposium for Biodiversity- India

Image with the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

In October 2012, the Third International Youth Symposium for Biodiversity will be held in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India. The purpose of the symposium is to welcome students from around the world, and to celebrate the local biodiversity work they are doing in their home countries. The Auroville symposium will take place prior to the 11^th Conference on Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity, which will be held in Hyderabad, India from October 8 – 19, 2012.

The Auroville Biodiversity Youth Symposium is open to students from around the world. In order to participate in this symposium, students are required to carry out a biodiversity study project in their respective home countries. In line with the key issues that will be discussed at the Conference in Hyderabad, student biodiversity proposals can be on any of the following themes:

1. Local biodiversity – Terrestrial or Aquatic

2. Biodiversity and Livelihoods
3. Role of cultural practices and tradition on biodiversity
4. Effect of non-indigenous species on local biodiversity
5. Cycle of cause and effect between human activity and biodiversity
6. Urban biodiversity

All biodiversity study projects should ideally incorporate the following elements:

1. Field work and/or practical data collection – please visit the website:
http://www.sprise.com/shs/habitatnet.aspx?id=5386 for help
2. Scientific/theoretical approach
3. Creativity and personal expression

Guidelines for participation

The overall guidelines for participation/submission of projects for the Auroville Biodiversity Youth Symposium are:
u Eligibility: students from Grades 8 to 12 (ages 14-19)
u The proposal should include:
u A 150-250 word abstract that includes information regarding the project and how it relates to conserving “Global Biodiversity”.
u How the project will be implemented (techniques to be used)
u General time line over 6 months
u The location of the project
u The email address of the project
u Proposals must include: names of students and ages, teachers/ leaders, schools or group name, and contact information (phone & email or postal address).
u The deadline for the submission of proposals is February 20th, 2012.

General Information:

1) Submissions by conventional mail or email are to be sent to:
Chali Grinnel, Symposium for Biodiversity Coordinator

Future School
Auroville 605101
Tamil Nadu
India
EMAIL: futureschool@auroville.org.in

2) All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts. Students will be notified of their acceptance to the symposium by March 10, 2012.

3) Information regarding any available funding to participate as well as logistics will be provided to all ACCEPTED proposals.

4). For QUESTIONS contact any of the coordinators at their emails below:

Chali Grinnel- chali@auroville.org.in

Erin Kenny- enkenny@hotmail.com

Once the applications have been processed, and the delegates determined for the symposium, team leaders will be asked to process their payments.

Invitation for project submission for the Third International Youth Symposium for Biodiversity

In October 2012, the Third International Youth Symposium for Biodiversity will be held in Auroville, Tamil Nadu, India. The purpose of the symposium is to welcome students from around the world, and to celebrate the local biodiversity work they are doing in their home countries. The Auroville symposium will take place prior to the 11^th Conference on Parties to the Convention of Biological Diversity, which will be held in Hyderabad, India from October 8 – 19, 2012.

The Auroville Biodiversity Youth Symposium is open to students from around the world. In order to participate in this symposium, students are required to carry out a biodiversity study project in their respective home countries.  In line with the key issues that will be discussed at the Conference in Hyderabad, student biodiversity proposals can be on any of the following themes:

1.      Local biodiversity – Terrestrial or Aquatic

2.      Biodiversity and Livelihoods
3.      Role of cultural practices and tradition on biodiversity
4.      Effect of non-indigenous species on local biodiversity
5.      Cycle of cause and effect between human activity and biodiversity
6.      Urban biodiversity

All biodiversity study projects should ideally incorporate the following elements:

1. Field work and/or practical data collection – please visit the website: 
    http://www.sprise.com/shs/habitatnet.aspx?id=5386 for help
2. Scientific/theoretical approach
3. Creativity and personal expression

Guidelines for participation

The overall guidelines for participation/submission of projects for the Auroville Biodiversity Youth Symposium are:
u  Eligibility: students from Grades  8 to 12 (ages 14-19)
u  The proposal should include: 
u  A 150-250 word abstract that includes information regarding the project and how it relates to conserving “Global Biodiversity”. 
u  How the project will be implemented (techniques to be used)
u  General time line over 6 months
u  The location of the project
u  The email address of the project
u  Proposals must include: names of students and ages, teachers/ leaders, schools or group name, and contact information (phone & email or postal address).
u  The deadline for the submission of proposals is February 20th, 2012.

General Information:

1)      Submissions by conventional mail or email are to be sent to:

Chali Grinnel, Symposium for Biodiversity Coordinator

Future School
Auroville 605101
Tamil Nadu
India
EMAIL: futureschool@auroville.org.in

2) All proposals will be reviewed by a panel of experts. Students will be notified of their acceptance to the symposium by March 10, 2012.

3) Information regarding any available funding to participate as well as logistics will be provided to all ACCEPTED proposals. 

4). For QUESTIONS contact any of the coordinators at their emails below:

Chali Grinnel- chali@auroville.org.in

Erin Kenny- enkenny@hotmail.com

Once the applications have been processed, and the delegates determined for the symposium, team leaders will be asked to process their payments.

MACOUN MARSH- OTTAWA, CANADA

Life seen today at our favourite marsh.

Downy woodpecker

 

Gray Tree frog found in the leaf litter

3rd module of the ASLA Biodiversity Mentorship Program- CANADA

Japan's Environment Minister Ryu Matsumoto and Youth Delegate Chafic at COP10

Our 3rd module of our ASLA biodiversity mentorship program is coming together! Here are some of our guests for this Saturday's program on Politics and Biodiversity.
Jessica Walsh Moreau- Biodiversity Youth Leader- Delegate at Nagoya for COP10
Chafic Bouchakra- Biodiversity Youth Leader- Delegate at Nagoya for COP10
David Chernushenko - City of Ottawa councillor
Clive Doucet- City of Ottawa councillor, Ottawa mayoral candidate
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

EARTH DAY CANADA ECOMENTORS AND BIODIVERSITYMATTERS- OTTAWA

It was an honour to work with Earth Day Canada today and present our International Youth Accord.  Chafic and Jessica presented their international work in Nagoya, Japan during COP10.  We made an invitation for youth to take part in the many events leading up to COP11.   

Wangari Maathai

Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt movement in Kenya in 1977, which has planted more than 10 million trees to prevent soil erosion and provide firewood for cooking fires. A 1989 United Nations report noted that only 9 trees were being replanted in Africa for every 100 that were cut down, causing serious problems with deforestation. Some of problems included soil runoff, water pollution, difficulty finding firewood, human health, and lack of animal nutrition.

Wangari Maathai was the first African woman to win a Nobel Prize. She died on September 25, 2011 at 71 years of age.  Drawing by Mike Leveille

Youth Mentorship- Module 2: Our Human Need for Biodiversity (2 hours) Oct.15- 10:00 am to noon at ALSA - OTTAWA, CANADA

Biodiversity is used in medical research and in our food industry. It is directly connected to the purification of the air and water, decomposition of wastes, recycling of nutrients, the pollination of crops, and the regulation of our climate. Many cultural services are to be considered here. Our global economy cannot function without biodiversity.

The students will partake in various activities that connect seemingly unrelated everyday products to their biological sources. They will also try some unusual foods! IF YOU INTERESTING IN COMING OUT, PLEASE LET ME KNOW ASAP. Mr. L.

Biodiversity Mentor Training Course Outline- Ottawa, Canada

Who knows who you might meet in the world of Conservation Biology?

Ottawa, Ontario- St-Laurent Academy, Notre Dame Catholic School, and Devonshire Public School (Youth aged 12 to 24) No fee required

Module 1: The Tree of Life (2 hours) Saturday, September 17th- 10:00 to noon at ALSA (641 Sladen Ave., Ottawa, Ontario) The concept of a tree of life as a multi-branched trunk illustrates the 4 billion year evolution of all life on earth.  This concept is continually changing as more genetic information shows us how closely we are related to all living things.  The purpose of this class is to broaden the student’s concept of how life functions within diverse ecosystems and on a planetary scale. 

We will use our outdoor study area in the center of urban Ottawa.  Our Macoun Marsh project in Beechwood Cemetery continues to be our core biodiversity project. To date, almost 1350 species have been recorded here.  A personal nature journal will be used to record discoveries. 

 
Module 2: Our Human Need for Biodiversity (2 hours) Oct. 8- 10:00 to noon at ALSA
Biodiversity is used in medical research and in our food industry.  It is directly connected to the purification of the air and water, decomposition of wastes, recycling of nutrients, the pollination of crops, and the regulation of our climate.  Many cultural services are to be considered here.  Our global economy cannot function without biodiversity.      

We need more protected areas, not just outside human cities, but inside as well.  We need connections between protected spaces so species can move from one area to the next.  We need to learn how to live with wildlife in our backyards. 

The students will partake in various activities that connect seemingly unrelated everyday products to their biological sources. 

 

Module 3: Political Action (2 hours) November 12th- 10:00 to noon at ALSA

Dr Djoghlaf, Executive Director of the CBD is quoted as saying "We are experiencing the greatest wave of extinctions since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Extinction rates are rising by a factor of up to 1,000 above natural rates. Every hour, three species disappear. Every day, up to 150 species are lost. Every year, between 18,000 and 55,000 species become extinct.” 

Our planet’s future rests on the conservation of our irreplaceable natural heritage- our biodiversity.  Species are being lost at an unprecedented rate with massive consequences for our planet, the economy, and our health. 

Understanding our place in the global community is key to this process. The students will meet face-to-face with youth that have been active in the formation of the International Youth Accord for Biodiversity and its presentation in Nagoya, Japan at COP10 in October 2010.  Students will be made aware of local, national, and international opportunities as possible venues for involvement.   

Biodiversity Mentor Training Course Outline- Canada

Biodiversity Mentor Training Course Outline
Ottawa, Ontario- St-Laurent Academy, Notre Dame Catholic School, and Devonshire Public School (Youth aged 12 to 24)

Module 1: The Tree of Life (2 hours)

The concept of a tree of life as a multi-branched trunk illustrates the 4 billion year evolution of all life on earth.  This concept is continually changing as more genetic information shows us how closely we are related to all living things.  The purpose of this class is to broaden the student’s concept of how life functions within diverse ecosystems and on a planetary scale. 

We will use our outdoor study area in the center of urban Ottawa.  Our Macoun Marsh project in Beechwood Cemetery continues to be our core biodiversity project. To date, almost 1350 species have been recorded here.  A personal nature journal will be used to record discoveries. 

Module 2: Our Human Need for Biodiversity (2 hours)

Biodiversity is used in medical research and in our food industry.  It is directly connected to the purification of the air and water, decomposition of wastes, recycling of nutrients, the pollination of crops, and the regulation of our climate.  Many cultural services are to be considered here.  Our global economy cannot function without biodiversity.       

We need more protected areas, not just outside human cities, but inside as well.  We need connections between protected spaces so species can move from one area to the next.  We need to learn how to live with wildlife in our backyards. 

The students will partake in various activities that connect seemingly unrelated everyday products to their biological sources. 

Module 3: Political Action (2 hours)

Dr Djoghlaf, Executive Director of the CBD is quoted as saying "We are experiencing the greatest wave of extinctions since the disappearance of the dinosaurs. Extinction rates are rising by a factor of up to 1,000 above natural rates. Every hour, three species disappear. Every day, up to 150 species are lost. Every year, between 18,000 and 55,000 species become extinct.” 

Our planet’s future rests on the conservation of our irreplaceable natural heritage- our biodiversity.  Species are being lost at an unprecedented rate with massive consequences for our planet, the economy, and our health. 

Understanding our place in the global community is key to this process. The students will meet face-to-face with youth that have been active in the formation of the International Youth Accord for Biodiversity and its presentation in Nagoya, Japan at COP10 in October 2010.  Students will be made aware of local, national, and international opportunities as possible venues for involvement.   

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)

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

June 26 at 2 pm - Valuing Urban Wetlands

MACOUN MARSH TOUR
with Michael Leveille and the youth of Biodiversitymatters

Location: Macoun Marsh (Beechwood Cemetery off St- Laurent Boulevard North) Ottawa, CANADA

Meeting Spot: Behind St. David and Martin Presbyterian Church on St-Laurent and Dunbarton Crescent)

We will need volunteers for this one!

MACOUN MARSH UPDATE (OTTAWA, CANADA)

We have recieved considerable rain in the month of May.  One excellent side to this rain is the crazy-looking fungi that are growing throughout our marsh area. 

Velvet foot fungus (Flammulina velutipes)

Slug eating a Morel

Dead-man’s fingers (Xylaria polymorpha)

Coral fungi