[Sust-mar] NEWS FROM THE NOVA SCOTIA ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK for February 2010

[NSEN]

NEWS FROM THE NOVA SCOTIA ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK

Happy International Year on Biodiversity!  A celebration of life on earth.
Find out more here: http://www.cbd.int/2010/welcome/ *Deadline extended to
nominate an Eco-Hero until Feb. 24 - see below for more details or our web
site: www.nsen.ca

*You can read our whole, latest Eco-Connections e-bulletin as a pdf here:
http://nsen.ca/ecoconnections.php


NSEN WATER CAUCUS FEBRUARY CONFERENCE CALL
Monday, February 22
9:30-11:00 a.m.
To join the call or caucus, please contact:
Jocelyne Rankin, B.Sc., M.E.S., Water Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre
Phone: 902.442.5046 Email: water at ecologyaction.ca
More info here: http://nsen.ca/water.php. Sign on to NSEN Water Caucus'
Blueprint for Water Management.


NSEN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CAUCUS MEETING ON MONDAY, FEB 22ND FROM 2-4PM 
Monday, February 22
2:00-4:00 pm.
Ecology Action Centre, 2705 Fern Lane, Halifax. 
For more details, please contact our chair Lisa Kretz, Doctorate of
Philosophy (Specialization: Ethics, Environmental Ethics) Master's of
Philosophy (Specialization: Environmental Aesthetics) Bachelor of Education
lkretz at dal.ca
More information about the Caucus can be found here:
http://nsen.ca/environmentaleducation.php


CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: NSEN ECO-HERO AWARDS - NEW DEADLINE FEB. 24 
In celebration of our 15th anniversary in 2007, the Nova Scotia
Environmental Network launched annual environmental awards. Since then,
every year NSEN has awarded groups and individuals who have made a
significant contribution to environmentalism in our province. There are
eight award categories for both individuals and groups. The awards will be
given out at our ENGO Annual Roundtable & Award Ceremony on Friday, March 5
(snow date is March 8). 
1.Nickerson Lifetime Achievement (Individual) 
2. Eco-Heroes Group of the Year (Group) 
3. Eco-Hero Environmentalist of the Year (Individual) 
4. Cole Award for Excellence in Environment and Health (Group or Individual)

5. Marshal Award for Aboriginal Environmental Leadership (Group or
Individual) 
6. Youth Environmental Leadership Award (Group or Individual) 
7. Award for Environmental Political Will (Group or Individual) 
8. Langille Honour in the Woods Award (Group or Individual)
Nomination forms and more info here: http://nsen.ca/ecohero.php


A GREEN COLLAR ECONOMY: INNOVATIVE IDEAS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE IN NOVA SCOTIA
Thursday, March 4
7:30-9:00 P.M.
Room 104, Dalhousie Law School, 6061 University Avenue, Halifax
Key Note: Andrea Harden-Donahue, Co-Author of the new report "Green, Decent,
& Public" and Energy Campaigner, Council of Canadians. Free public talk. 
Join the discussion on how we can green Nova Scotia's economy. What are your
ideas?
Speaker Andrea Harden-Donahue will present the broad-based, growing movement
to recognize the opportunity to solve the financial and environmental crises
together by "greening" the economy. Using international and Canadian
examples, her presentation will introduce the basics of green collar job
creation. It will also give the highlights from her new Council of
Canadians' report "Green, Decent, & Public" that focuses on the shovel-ready
capacity of the public sector and the economic growth potential of green
jobs. With a focus on improving energy efficiency and renewable power
expansion, the case is made for the public sector and communities to play a
prominent role in generating green jobs and for the expansion of public and
community ownership models for renewable power. Report is available here:
http://www.canadians.org/energy/documents/climatejustice/green-decent-public
.pdf

BIO: Andrea Harden-Donahue is a long-time environmental and political
activist. After studying Human Rights and Political Science at Carleton
University, Andrea worked as a Water Campaigner with Polaris Institute.
Experiences with Polaris including co-authoring Boiling Point, a report on
the state of drinking water for First Nations, as well as engaging in
grassroots organizing including launching a successful bottled water free
zone campaign, helped prepare for her current work. Andrea is now with the
Council of Canadians, an organization with members and volunteer chapters
across the country that promotes progressive policies on fair trade, clean
water as well as secure and sustainable energy. As Energy Campaigner, she is
focused on building a movement for a Canadian Energy Strategy that meets
Canadians' energy needs and transitions communities to sustainable energy
production and consumption. Having recently co-authored Green Decent and
Public, campaigning for "green jobs" that are decent jobs which help
maintain essential public services, has become an important focus. Andrea
Harden-Donahue attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. 

Draw prize for Van Jones' award-winning book "The Green Collar Economy: How
One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems." Organized by the Nova Scotia
Environmental Network and the Council of Canadians. More info: www.nsen.ca


NSEN ANNUAL ROUNDTABLE & AWARD CEREMONY 
Friday, March 5
9:30 a.m.-4.00 p.m.
Nova Scotia Public Archives, Aitkins Room, 6016 University Ave, Halifax
This is an important strategy session for our member groups and
environmentalists. The focus will be on how our sector can contribute to
greening the NS economy. There will also be updates on the NSEN caucuses,
pesticide ban consultations, water, mining, biosolids, biomass, & voluntary
sector initiatives. Find out more about the "Getting Back to Balance" public
consultations and share ideas about for a green economy in NS. Lunch
provided free for members. Morning key note: Andrea Harden-Donahue,
co-Author of the report "Green, Decent, & Public" and Energy Campaigner,
Council of Canadians. The day will end with our Annual Awards and Gourmet
Cake Celebration. Report is here:
http://www.canadians.org/energy/documents/climatejustice/green-decent-public
.pdf Organized by the Nova Scotia Environmental Network. More info:
www.nsen.ca Deadline to nominate for an Eco-Hero award is February 24:
http://nsen.ca/ Please RSVP so we have enough lunch to nsen at cen-rce.org 


NSEN ECO-HEROES 2010 ANNUAL AWARD CEREMONY
Friday, March 5
3:00 p.m.-4.00 p.m.
Nova Scotia Public Archives, Aitkins Room, 6016 University Ave, Halifax
Come and cheer on the winners of our Annual Eco-Hero Awards. Every year, the
Nova Scotia Environmental Networks gives awards in eight categories to
individuals and groups that have made a big green contribution to our
province.  Enjoy some gourmet cake, coffee and tea. Free and open to the
public. Deadline to nominate for an Eco-Hero award is February 24:
http://nsen.ca/  Organized by the Nova Scotia Environmental Network. For
more information, please call (902) 454-6846, email nsen at cen-rce.org or
visit us online: www.nsen.ca 


GREEN ROOTS SYMPOSIUM: SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH EDUCATION & PARTNERSHIPS
Friday, March 26, 2010 & Saturday, March 27, 2010, Halifax
Four Points Sheraton, 1496 Hollis Street, Halifax
The Nova Scotia Department  of Environment, Nova Scotia Department of
Education, SENSE: Sustainability Education in Nova Scotia for Everyone and
the Nova Scotia Environment Network are joining together to host a gathering
of community organizations dedicated to a sustainability through education
and partnerhips. Key Note Speaker is Mi'kmaq Elder Albert Marshall "Two-Eyed
Seeing Worldview" at the Four Points Sheraton. There will be special panels
and presentations throughout the day. The symposium will encompass two
events running concurrently: the Third Annual SENSE Symposium and a
celebration of the work done by community groups, sponsored by Nova Scotia
Environment. The symposium will open with a special wine & cheese reception
on Friday night with key political and NGO leaders in sustainability
education and  a full-day on Saturday of workshops, luncheon, and panels. 
More details on the agenda and registration to come soon. Contacts:
Sam Juru (NSEN/SENSE) esd_novascotia at lsf-lst.ca or 454-6846
Joliene Stockley (NSE) stockljl at gov.ns.ca or 424-6261


BACK TO BALANCE: PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS ON THE ECONOMY *REGISTER & HAVE YOUR
SAY!
Let the government know that you want a green economy! Public consultations
across the province until March. More info here:
www.gov.ns.ca/finance/backtobalance/


NS AGRICULTURE LAND REVIEW - UPCOMING CONSULTATIONS
A series of public meetings are being held across Nova Scotia to answer
questions about NS farmland and we want to hear from you. For more
information view or download a hard copy of the Agricultural Land Review
Committee Background paper or get a copy at your local ACCESS or Dept. Of
Agriculture Office:  http://nsaglandreview.com/ Submissions can be made in
the comment field of this site: http://nsaglandreview.com/ via email to
info at nsaglandreview.com or by Mail to: ALRC - PO Box 816 Kentville NS B4N
4H8
Upcoming consultations: Lunenburg Feb 24th Lunenburg Fire Hall 7 - 9p;
Yarmouth Feb 25th Rodd Grand Hotel 7 - 9p; and Berwick Mar 3rd Berwick Fire
Hall 7 - 9pm.


PROMOTE HEALTHY SCHOOLS IN 2010 - April 26, 2010
Canadians for a Safe Learning Environment (CASLE), a member of NSEN and a
member of the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, is
spearheading a North American effort for a Healthy Schools Day - Monday,
April 26, 2010. For more information, please contact Karen Robinson at
karen.robinson at ns.sympatico.ca and visit CASLE's website: www.casle.ca AND
http://www.casle.ca/healthyschoolsday/ 


FIVE BRIDGE LAKES WILDERNESS AREA PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
Nova Scotians are invited to comment on plans to establish a 8,266 hectare
(20,425 acres) wilderness area on Crown lands between highways 103 and 333,
in Halifax Regional Municipality. The proposed Five Bridge
Lakes Wilderness Area will protect a scenic and rugged landscape of forests,
barrens, interconnected lakes and wetlands. The province announced its
intent to designate these Crown lands under the Wilderness Areas Protection
Act in October of 2009. Written comment will be accepted until April 30,
2010 by mail at: Nova Scotia Environment, Protected Areas Branch, P.O. Box
442, Halifax, N.S., B3J 2P8, and by e-mail at: protectedareas at gov.ns.ca.
More info: Protected Areas Branch Nova Scotia Environment, Box 442, 5151
Terminal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3J 2P8 Tel; (902) 424-2117
/Fax; (902) 424-0501 /protectedareas at gov.ns.ca /
www.gov.ns.ca/nse/protectedareas


TAKE ACTION TO BAN COSMETIC PESTICIDES IN NOVA SCOTIA - DEADLINE MARCH 7
The Canadian Cancer Society has released a new 2-minute video about cosmetic
pesticide exposure in Nova Scotia, and why the government's proposed ban
matters. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU24HbMxwcE Then, if
you haven't already, please take 2 more minutes to visit
http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/pests/ discussing.pesticides.asp and tell the NS
government it should ban cosmetic pesticides. (Deadline for responses is
March 7.) You can also join Pesticide Free Nova Scotia on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=270739339535&ref=ts


ENGO PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DAY ACTIVITIES
The RCEN has been invited by Environment Canada to select thirteen lead
environmental NGO groups in each province and territory to carry out
outreach and education activities for the International Day for Biodiversity
(IDB) on May 22, 2010. This year's IDB theme is "Biodiversity, Development
and Poverty Alleviation"; however, activities are not limited to this theme.
Selected ENGOs will collaborate with the RCEN Biodiversity Caucus and
Environment Canada's Ecosystems and Biodiversity Priorities Division to:
prepare IDB Outreach plans; carry out outreach and education activities
based on outreach plans; write a final report on completed outreach and
education activities. The ENGO delegates will be compensated $1250 for
participation in two teleconferences and the development and implementation
of the Outreach Plans, and $200 to write the final report. The deadline for
applications is February 22, 2010. More information at
http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/delegate_calls/10_02_IDB.html.


RCEN 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 17-19, MONTREAL, QC
"Conserving Biodiversity Pays: The Values of Ecosystem Services"
More details: http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/index.html


JOIN OUR CAUCUS LIST SERVS
You can join these email groups by simply copying these email addresses in
the TO: line of your email. Very easy!

NSEN Environmental Education Caucus (EEC) - Subscribe by emailing:
ns-eec+subscribe at googlegroups.com
For more information about this caucus, EEC Chair: Lisa Kretz:
lkretz at clean.ns.ca (902) 420.7947 or Susan Glynn-Morris:
Susan.Glynnmorris at EC.GC.CA (902) 426.1704

NSEN Law & Policy Caucus - Subscribe: NSENLawCaucus-subscribe at yahoogroups.ca
Co-Chairs Deborah Carver, Executive Director of the East Coast Environmental
Law and Emily Pudden, Lawyer with the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq.

NSEN Mining Caucus - Subscribe by emailing:
nsenmining-subscribe at yahoogroups.com
For more information about this caucus, please contact chair Gretchen
Fitzgerald, Sierra Club of Canada-Atlantic Chapter: gretchenf at sierraclub.ca

NSEN Water Caucus- Subscribe by emailing:
NSENWatershedcaucus-subscribe at yahoogroups.com
For more information about this caucus, please email Jocelyne Rankin, B.Sc.,
M.E.S. Water Coordinator
Ecology Action Centre, 902.442.5046 water at ecologyaction.ca

NSEN Biosolids Caucus - Subscribe: nsenbiosolids-subscribe at yahoogroups.ca
For information about this group, please contact chair Marilyn Cameron at:
p.m.cameron at ns.sympatico.ca
Information about the NSEN Biosolids Yahoo Group is here:
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/nsenbiosolids/

NSEN Community Garden Caucus - We have set up a yahoo email group dedicated
to our work on Community Gardens. For more information about our email
group, please go to the following link: 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NSENCommunityGardens  
To SUBSCRIBE send an email to:
NSENCommunityGardens-subscribe at yahoogroups.com  


*Have your organization become a member of Nova Scotia's only environmental
network: http://nsen.ca/join.php

**A friendly reminder to everyone please add your environmental and
non-environmental (social justice) events, jobs, action alerts and
announcements on our NSEN web site: www.nsen.ca 

Have a wonderful weekend,

Tamara

Tamara Lorincz, BA, BComm, LLB, MBA
Executive Director (NSEN)
Nova Scotia Environmental Network 
55 Willowbend Ct. 
Halifax, NS Canada B3M 3L3
Phone: 902-454-6846
Fax: 902-454-6841
Email: nsen at cen-rce.org 
Web Site: www.nsen.ca
*NSEN: Connecting for a Sustainable Future