Programme

July 4, 2009: OPENING DINNER

Master Of Ceremonies, Dr. Gracia-Garza

Dr. Gracia-Garza is currently the Director General, Science and Technology (S&T) Strategies at Environment Canada where he is responsible for providing advice and recommendations to the Minister of the Environment, Deputy Ministers and Assistant Deputy Ministers of Environment Canada on S&T strategic issues of the department and federal community. He also ensures strong links between the science and policy communities within and outside the department; provides support to the S&T Branch by communicating and promoting the results of its S&T efforts; provides expert advice on current and emerging environmental technological innovations and, oversees the management of environmental arm-length organizations. Previously, Dr. Gracia-Garza was the Senior Advisor on domestic S&T policy issues to the National Science Advisor to the Government of Canada (Privy Council Office/Industry Canada); Policy Director on the Ontario Federal Council (OFC) Secretariat and later Regional Director, Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs, Ontario and Nunavut Region with Health Canada. He started his career in the Federal government as a scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

Special presentations: Symposium Directors Michael Leveille and Dan Bisaccio “How the Macoun Marsh Project evolved into the Symposium?" Michael Leveille, Executive Director “Opening Remarks”, Dr. Ahmed Djoghaf (Executive Secretary- CBD), Yasir Naqui (MPP Ottawa Centre) "Youth Engagement at the local level to enhance sustainable living" Symposium Youth Board, Musical presentation by St-Laurent Academy and others, Aboriginal Experiences interactive dance presentation. The CISV Eco-Group from Fredericton, NB. made a lovely presentation on the Biodiversity in Atlantic Canada.

July 5, 2009- DAY 1

VISIT TO MACOUN MARSH & GATINEAU PARK

Visit to the host project site- Macoun Marsh Biodiversity Project with a biodiversity search.

Tree Planting event at The Macoun Marsh with special guest Helen Mertz, a member of Wikwemikong First Nation.

  • Biodiversity Exhibit at St-Laurent Academy Campus.
  • Lunch at Eardley Escarpment- Gatineau Park.
  • Travel to new venue and explore area (YMCA-YWCA Dunrobin).
  • Concurrent Biodiversity Presentations Session
  • Species search activity, camp fires.

July 6, 2009- Day 2

YM/YWCA Camp Dunrobin/ CONSERVATION OF SPECIES – Dan Bisaccio / Brown University – HabitatNet

Session 1 (8:30 – 10:00) Introduction to Youth Accord 1

  1. Slide show and music Youth Accord 1 – Quintana Roo, Mexico.
  2. What, Why, Result, and Next Steps from Youth Accord 1 to Youth Accord 2 … a short talk by Dan.
  3. Setting the stage for “Making a Difference” … an activity (Handshake Transformations).
  4. Performance – “Sculpture Garden” (participant groups creating tableaus around concepts of ecology, conservation, and friendship).
  5. Natural Sculptures: Delegates will “create and install” – using only natural materials that will biodegrade over time to be recycled by our landscape – a tribute to our surroundings (Canada) of the biodiversity it affords and its’ connections to all of our home habitat.

Session 3 (1:30 – 2:30) “If I could change the world in a day ….”

  1. Reading Response Chain of Youth Accord 1.
  2. What would I tell world leaders …… (next steps).

+Geocaching/ +Movie Night

July 7, 2009- Day 3

BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE DAY- Let’s Talk Science Team

What is climate change and global warming and how do they relate to biodiversity?

  1. Atmosphere (chemistry related)
  2. Ground water (earth sciences related)
  3. Carbon cycle
  4. Benthic invertebrates (some experimenting and species identification)
  5. Scavenger hunt (finding specific species and briefly writing about their habitats and how they think climate change could affect the species)
  6. A role play activity where the effects of climate change will be modeled using the youth as an animal species
  7. summary of the day and chance to use recycled materials in an art work to express something learned or write a song or a skit

+Boat/ kayak/ Swimming activities with YMCA +Camp Fires

July 8, 2009- Day 4

SEEDS, SOILS AND SYSTEMS (ECO):

Why we need to start small and think big! With USC Canada

What is agricultural biodiversity and why do we need to support farmers who farm this way? How do farmers select the seeds that produce food and manage the soil that brings these seeds to life? Why do farmers always need to think about the broader ecosystem when they produce food? What are some of the threats to healthy food production systems? Participants will be given an opportunity to dig into these questions – with their hands, heads, and hearts- through interactive sessions on the link between seed security, soil and water conservation, and ecosystem management strategies.

July 8, 2009/ 5:00 pm - CLOSING EVENT

YMCA/YMCA Camp Dunrobin

Special Presentations:

  • Bob Anderson (Canadian Museum of Nature Entomologist)
  • E.O. Wilson Youth Conservation Award
  • Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo
  • First Nations- Water ceremony
  • “Speaker’s Corner”
  • Close remarks
  • Before dance element
  • Dance party

Honourable Donna Cansfield (Ontario Minister of Natural Resources)

Cansfield is a tireless contributor to services for communities, families and, in particular, children. She was a school trustee for 15 years, president of the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, and vice-chair of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success. She also has national experience through her work as a board member for Learning for a Sustainable Future, director of Prime Mentors of Canada and as a past president of the Canadian School Board Association.

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