Conserving Wetlands: Tools and Strategies for Effective Stewardship

1:00 - 2:00 PM AT on August 14th, 2024 (online via Zoom)

Join the Biodiversity Caucus for a free, educational event for Wetlands Appreciation Week to explore wetland stewardship and its crucial role in wildlife conservation in Nova Scotia!

This event will feature two insightful presentations on the tools and projects shaping wetlands and wildlife protection.

Presentation 1: Mainland Moose and Wetlands Protection

Presented by Jess Lewis, Conservation Coordinator at Nature Nova Scotia, this segment focuses on the organization's ongoing mainland moose projects and their significance to wetland conservation. Key points include:

• Project Overview: Gain insight into the objectives and progress of Nature Nova Scotia's mainland moose initiatives.
• Connection to Wetlands: Understand how protecting wetlands supports the habitat and overall health of moose populations.

Presentation 2: Provincial and Municipal Wetland Stewardship

Presented by Mike Kofahl, Staff Lawyer at East Coast Environmental Law, this session offers an overview of the various tools available for wetlands stewardship in Nova Scotia. Key topics include:

• Provincial Legislation: Explore the legal framework governing wetlands, including jurisdictional aspects, Environment Act mechanisms, and the Wetlands Policy.
• Municipal Strategies: Discover how municipalities like the HRM, CBRM, and MODL employ specific tools and strategies for wetland management, including real-world examples and case studies.

This event is ideal for conservationists, policymakers, researchers, and anyone interested in the intersection of wetland stewardship, wildlife conservation, and environmental law. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the legislative and practical aspects of wetland stewardship and learn how these efforts contribute to the protection of essential habitats.

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your understanding and engage with experts in the field!

Guest Speakers
		Jess Lewis Conservation Coordinator, Nature Nova Scotia Raised amidst the rugged landscapes of St. John's, Newfoundland, Jess' passion for botany and ecology led her to study Plant Science at Dalhousie University, Truro NS. Her experience ranges from researching wild bee populations in blueberry fields to engaging in critical discussions about environmental policies and climate change. Now, she spearheads our species at risk and sustainable forestry projects. Off work, you'll find Jess at the SPCA, creating botanical drawings, crafting pressed flower jewelry, or tending her garden. Jess thrives on building connections, learning from experiences, and believing in collective action for effective conservation and preserving nature for future generations.
		Mike Kofahl Staff Lawyer, East Coast Environmental Law Mike graduated from Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law in 2017. While in law school, he worked with East Coast Environmental Law as a Pro Bono student and earned certificates of specialization in marine law and environmental law from the Marine and Environmental Law Institute. After law school, Mike completed shared articles with East Coast Environmental Law and McKiggan Hebert. He then worked as ECEL’s Coastal Research Coordinator until he was called to the Bar and became a staff lawyer. Mike’s law practice is primarily focused on marine and coastal law issues, including marine protected areas, shipping, offshore resource regulation, coastal protection and access, and wetland stewardship. Additionally, he works on impact assessments and regional assessments and restorative justice. Mike also coordinates ECEL’s pro bono student and summer internship programs. Mike has always been drawn to nature. He grew up, and now lives, along the beautiful Margaree River. He spent a large portion of his early adult life working outside, including an 11-year seasonal career as a tree-planter during which he planted 1.5 million trees. He enjoys cooking, BBQing, hiking, running long distance, playing soccer and curling, photography, and being a new dad. Mike also occasionally facilitates restorative justice circles and volunteers on the board of the Community Justice Society – HRM as its vice president.

Are you passionate about protecting biodiversity? Joining the Biodiversity Caucus is a great way to connect with other passionate individuals, unearth opportunities to get involved, and stay in the know on biodiversity issues. Whether you are an NGO representative, an academic, or an individual eager to make a difference, you are welcome to participate in the group. For more information on the caucus, visit nsenvironmentalnetwork.com/biodiversity

Already convinced? Please complete our short form to express your interest and we'll connect with you as soon as possible: https://forms.gle/SFxc3y8KSoT3Aoax8