News
2010 Year of Biodiversity Tries to Rein in Runaway Extinctions
NEW YORK, New York, January 4, 2010 (ENS) - Due to human activities, the world's animal and plant species are disappearing at a rate some experts put at 1,000 times the natural progression, the United Nations said January 1, marking 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity - the variety of life on Earth.
The purpose of the International Year is to raise public awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the consequences of its loss to human well-being.
The Year's official launch will take place in Berlin on January 11. This will be followed on January 21 and 22 by the first major event of the International Year, a high-profile meeting at the Paris headquarters of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO, which is expected to bring together heads of state, royalty and their representatives.
Article: http://bit.ly/7G32zB.
Pomegranate Compounds May Help Curb Breast Cancer Risk
Enzyme-blocking chemicals in pomegranates may reduce the risk of estrogen-fueled breast cancers, U.S. researchers said Tuesday. An acid found in pomegranates appears to block aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen, a hormone that plays a role in the development of breast cancer, the researchers wrote in the journal Cancer Prevention Research.
Article at http://bit.ly/8qT1YU.
Action Alerts
Saskatchewan Energy Hearings
The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies is conducting an inquiry on how to best meet Saskatchewan’s growing demand for energy. Public meetings will be held in Lloydminster, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Estevan and Regina during the period of January 18 - 29, 2010. Details and schedules are on the Government of Saskatchewan website at http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/committees/CrownCentralAgencies/crown_central_agenciesnew.htm.
Regulatory Review Consultation
The Ministry of Environment has been engaged in a review of the environmental regulatory framework in Saskatchewan over the past 15 months with a view to moving to a results-based framework. To date, they have engaged stakeholder representatives in three rounds of consultations and gathered a great deal of valuable information and advice during the process. They are now ready to begin development of the Saskatchewan Environmental Code and would like to invite stakeholders to participate in this initiative during January 2010 in either Regina or Saskatoon:
- Regina: Tuesday, January 19, 2010, 8 am - 12 pm, Queensbury Convention Centre, 1700 Elphinstone St.
- Saskatoon: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 1 pm - 5 pm, Radisson Hotel, 405 – 20th St. E.
Your RSVP at your earliest convenience would be appreciated. Contact SEN at sen@link.ca and we will forward your confirmation.
Three key pieces of legislation (The Environmental Management and Protection Act, The Environmental Assessment Act and The Forest Resources Management Act) that provide the foundation for the ministry’s new results-based regulatory framework commenced second reading debate in the provincial legislature on December 2nd, 2009. The Bills are now posted on the Legislative Assembly website and are available at http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/bills/Alpha_Bills.pdf.
Canada-wide Survey of Non-Profit Websites
Can you take a few minutes and fill out this important survey about websites? The goals are to paint a picture of the state of non-profit websites in Canada in order to drive innovation by the suppliers and to generate interest with potential donors and the public. The survey itself is here: http://www.openwebgroup.ca/survey and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. The survey closes after January 13th, 2010.
Resources
Sentinel Hotspots
The Watershed Sentinel has launched Sentinel Hotspots, a web site for mapping environmental issues in western Canada. Please have a look at it, at http://www.sentinelhotspots.ca.
Saskatchewan environmental groups are encouraged to submit projects and other environmental hotspots in Saskatchewan. Very briefly, for inclusion on the Sentinel Hotspots site, a hotspot has two necessary characteristics:
- it is a project or a site where adverse environmental impacts are taking place, or could take place
- there is local concern about the issue
The basic intent is to provide a quick overview of issues, for media, government, funders and especially the public, and to promote links to local and regional organisations working on those issues where more detailed information about the issues is available. As an environmental news magazine, we are alarmed at the number of issues in western Canada, and hope that Sentinel Hotspots will be an eye-opener, as well as a useful service.
Online Food Security Courses
Starting in January, St. Lawrence College is launching a number of courses on food security.
The Sustainable Local Food Certificate explores the practices, principles and philosophies involved in local food system development. The focus is on increasing both academic and hands-on knowledge of regional food initiatives across Canada, alongside international best practices. There is a specific concentration on applied learning, online networking, and community research. This certificate is the first of its kind in Canada, providing a cutting edge advantage when competing for work in the sustainable local food sector.
Details at: http://www.sl.on.ca/parttime/OnlineCredit-SustFood.htm.
Putting Wind Power Myths into Perspective
Fact Sheet: Wind Power RealitiesHarnessing the power of the wind has become one of the fastest growing sources of global electricity generation. As countries strive to develop clean and secure energy systems, more scientists, policy makers and communities are looking to wind power as an important part of the solution.
As new opportunities emerge to develop wind-power generation in communities across Canada, they raise reasonable questions about the social, environmental and economic impacts of large-scale wind power production. This fact sheet aims to help answer those questions, and to distill the realities of wind power from the myths and misconceptions. Download the fact sheet by Tim Weis at: http://www.pembina.org/pub/1943.
Coming Events
Regina
Sherwood Forest Feeder Field Trip
January 10th, 1:30 - 4 pm, meet at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum parking lotJoin members of Nature Regina for a visit to this wooded area near Regina. Dean and Miriam Richert have been maintaining a feeder here for many years. We hope to see woodpeckers, nuthatches, Blue Jays, and other winter birds, as well as Snowy Owls en route. For more information, phone 949-2505.
Invasive Weed Management
January 19th, 12:10 - 12:50 pm, Royal Saskatchewan Museum AuditoriumThe Native Prairie Speaker Series is hosted by the Prairie Conservation Action Plan. Speaker TBA.
Saskatoon
Sanatorium and Riverbank Hike
January 9th, 2 pm - 4 pm, meet at the south end of Ave. K.Join members of the Saskatoon Nature Society as they go looking for winter songbirds on the old sanatorium grounds and then look for waterfowl along the river. For more information, contact Nick Saunders (934-2566).
SEIMA’s 2010 Business Expo and Trade Show/Linkages
January 11th - 12th, Saskatoon Radisson HotelThe Saskatchewan Environmental Industry and Managers Association (SEIMA) is "Bringing the World to Saskatchewan" at the 2010 Business Expo and Trade Show. Take the time to get the big-picture view. What macro events are impacting on your business and career plans? Meet Saskatchewan's most prominent environmental practitioners and stakeholders. For more information and to register please visit: http://www.seima.sk.ca.
Climbing Mount Sustainability: Business Responses
January 13th, 7 pm, J.S. Wood Library, 1801 Lansdowne Ave.The relationship between business and society has never been more influential or important. What actions are businesses taking with respect to environmental challenges and concerns? Where are they leading and where are they struggling? Join guest speaker Niranjan Harrison from the University of Saskatchewan for this talk that will trace the history of corporate action regarding environmental issues and discuss a bold path for the future – where business and society concerns are aligned, not in opposition. For more information contact 665-1915.
Greening Your New or Existing Home Seminar
January 19th, 2010 7-10 pm, Frances Morrison Library TheatreFor complete information see the events section of the Green Building Council, Saskatchewan Chapter website at http://www.cagbc.org/chapters/saskatchewan/events/index.php or call: Max Stadnyk 306-260-9191.
Workshop: Options for Recycling Agricultural Plastics
January 20th, 9:30 am - 3 pm, Confederation InnAccording to the Western Producer, western Canadian farmers use 12,000-16,000 grain bags every year, mostly in Saskatchewan. Each of these weighs between 135 and 315 kg. Add to that the twine, silage bags, bale wrap and there's a lot of agricultural plastic out there. Farmers have few choices (most of them bad) for handling this material. Various groups have been calling for action, looking for more environmentally responsible solutions.
This workshop is an opportunity for people concerned about agricultural plastics to have input and work on a solution together. Hosted by the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.
More info at (306) 931-3242.
Permaculture Workshop
January 21st, 7 pm, Broadway TheatreDo you have an interest in a positive solution to society's sustainability issues? Know the word "permaculture" and want some more info? Like bottom up and grassroots approaches to solving social and ecological problems? Have a concern about peak oil? Then you would also enjoy an evening of permaculture design. Jesse Lemieux of Pacific Permaculture will deliver a 1 1/2 hour mixed media presentation on permaculture (see http://www.pacificpermaculture.com).
Sponsored by Rooted, Road Map 2020, The Office of Sustainability U of S and Ken MacLeod of Student Counselling Services U of S.
SOS Elms Coalition AGM
January 23rd, 7 pm, Basement, St. James Anglican ChurchEveryone Welcome! More information on SOS Elms at: http://www.soselms.org. Their latest newletter can be read at http://www.soselms.org/newsletter09.htm.
Opportunities/Calls for Delegates/Proposals
Do You Know An Environmental Champion?
Nominations are now open for the 8th Annual Saskatchewan Eco Network Environmental Activism Awards.
You can appreciate a beautiful vista, a waterfall, a field of wild crocuses, a moose standing in a break. Often our appreciation for nature is the reason that we do environmental work. We can also appreciate the strength and the courage of volunteers and staff in environmental organizations, in other fields, or from the general public who work to protect the environment. Appreciation is an important ecological tool for sustaining our planet.
The Saskatchewan EcoNetwork would like to recognize people and organizations, including businesses, journalists, writers, filmmakers, teachers and mentors, anyone who is working to protect the environment. We are looking for Environmental Champions.
The process is easy. To nominate a group or an individual for an Environmental Activism Award, SEN asks that you tell us a story - why does this person or group stand out; why do they deserve recognition? Please provide us with the nominee's address and phone number and send it to sen@link.ca. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 2010. The Awards will be given out at Environmental Film Festival in early March. A little appreciation goes a long way, particularly when the work is so hard.
Trees by the Shore Program
Tree Canada and Majesta are working together to launch the second edition of “Trees by the Shore” program. Last year 25 communities across the country were selected to plant trees by rivers, lakes and streams to beautify the area but also to strengthen the natural ecosystem.
Communities are invited to apply for the 2010 program. Tell us why your town or city deserves more trees by your shore and how you will engage local organizations and youth to take part in planting 1500 trees. Visit http://www.majestapromotions.ca/dedicate/application_form.aspx to apply – applications are due by January 15th, 2010.
Walmart–Evergreen Green Grants Program
Walmart Canada and Evergreen have combined to this national program funding community-based restoration and stewardship initiatives in urban and urbanizing areas. Green Grants are available for to local groups working on: urban naturalization projects; using native plants; restoring and stewarding woodlands, meadows, wetlands and ravines; and community food garden projects.
The program provides funds of up to $10,000. The 2010 deadline for Green Grants applications is January 29, 2010.
Call for Papers: Journal of Agriculture and Food Systems Development
The Journal welcomes papers related to the development aspects of agriculture and food systems. Faculty and students, Extension and other educators, planners, consultants, staff with farm agencies and farm and community organizations, and farmers are invited to submit material.
There is a specific call on the topic: Growing Farmers. Submissions will be accepted until February 15, 2010.
For more information, see the Journal's website http://www.agdevjournal.com/.
Earth Day Canada Environmental Scholarship Opportunity
Earth Day Canada has launched the 2010 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship Program. Twenty $5,000 scholarships will be awarded to students across Canada who have distinguished themselves through environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence. One exceptional student will also be presented with the Toyota Earth Day Scholarship National Award and a Panasonic notebook computer.
The deadline to apply is February 28, 2010. Application material and information is available online at http://www.earthday.ca/scholarship. For program information, please contact Jo Anne Tacorda at 416 599-1991 ext. 109.
Earth Day Canada: Every Day Heroes Film Competition
All filmmakers, young and old, established and aspiring, are invited to submit 90-second silent videos to the Every Day Heroes Film Competition. Finalists will have their videos screened in Ivanhoe Cambridge Shopping Malls across Canada, on the Onestop Network of 270 monitors on the subway platforms of the Toronto Transit Commission, as well as hosted on Earth Day Canada’s website and YouTube channel.
Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best of ‘Under 18’ years of age — MacBook Pro; Best of ‘Over 18’ years of age — MacBook Pro; Best of Competition — Two economy airline tickets to any destination in North America with two nights hotel accommodation AND two tickets to the Earth Day Canada Gala, including travel to Toronto and hotel accommodation for the nights of June 8th and 9th, 2010.
Inspire Canada this Earth Day. Tell the story of your every day environmental hero and their dedication to support of a healthier environment.
The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2010. Visit http://www.earthday.ca/film for more details and submission form.
Employment Opportunities
Executive Director: CPAWS SK Chapter
CPAWS is dedicated to protecting wild ecosystems and to promoting awareness and understanding of ecological principles within those ecosystems. CPAWS works both cooperatively in multi-stakeholder processes and with individuals to achieve these goals.
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is seeking an Executive Director for its Saskatchewan Chapter.
This is a half-time (20 hours/week) position, with the possibility to evolve into a full time position depending on funding availability, offering an excellent opportunity to give wilderness a voice in the Saskatchewan landscape at a time of economic growth and political change. If you are interested in and passionate about contributing to the conservation of our environment, please submit your resume and cover letter (indicate your salary expectation in the cover letter) to info@cpaws-sask.org on or before January 7, 2010. Those candidates selected for further screening will be contacted in January 2010.
Details at: http://www.cpaws-sask.org/.
Executive Director: Canada Green Building Council, SK Chapter
Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council (SkCaGBC) is a non-profit Corporation established as a grassroots volunteer organization with representation from across the provincial building industry spectrum, which has come together to Educate, Promote and Advocate a sustainable built environment.
SkCaGBC is seeking a dynamic individual that is passionate about our environment, has knowledge of the built industry or willing to learn and has a bend towards entrepreneurial spirit with a touch of creativity to find solutions that are out of the norm.
Interviewing will begin during the week of January 22, 2010 until a suitable candidate can be found.
Complete job description at: http://www.cagbc.org/chapters/saskatchewan/news/index/news_articles1177.php.
Prairie Chapter Director: Sierra Club
Location: EdmontonThe ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience in environment, water and energy issues in Canada and/or the Prairie Provinces. Experience with various levels of government and policy development is an asset. The candidate will have proven leadership and communications skills and the abilities and a passion for inspiring grassroots engagement. Proven experience in fundraising and non-profit management is beneficial. A strong personal commitment for justice and sustainability is essential. Equivalent life experience or post-secondary degree in a sustainability related discipline. (ie. biological and/or ecological sciences, political science, law economics or social sciences) is desired.
This is a full-time maternity leave position for 10 months with attractive benefits package, with the possibility of transitioning into alternate positions in the organization at the end of the replacement. This is a salaried position, pro-rated at $46,000 per year. Please send resume and cover letter by January 15, 2010.
Details at: http://beta.sierraclub.ca/employment.
Energy Campaigner: Sierra Club, Prairie Chapter
Location: EdmontonThe Sierra Club Prairie Energy Campaigner acts as the lead staff person for our tar sands campaign. Bringing the core message of our campaign – to stop tar sands injustices and shift to a sustainable energy economy – to the Alberta, Prairie and Canadian public and policy-makers is the central priority of the campaign for the coming year. A two-year commitment is desired for this full-time salaried position, pro-rated at $40,000 per year and includes an attractive benefits package.
Please send resume and cover letter, by January 15th, 2009. Full job description at: http://beta.sierraclub.ca/employment.