Carolinian Canada Coalition Forum 2006
Friday Oct 20th, Ingersoll Ontario

GROWING SUSTAINABLE CONNECTIONS

Working Together To Protect Our Unique Nature in Southwestern Ontario

Are We Protecting What Makes Our Communities Unique?

It is timely to call on the major conservation allies in Carolinian Canada to highlight their programs and future plans in this ecoregion. Join the Carolinian Canada Coalition on October 20, 2006 to explore sea changes in southwestern Ontario that will affect conservation in our communities.

Who is doing What in Carolinian Canada?

Carolinian Canada Coalition is reorganizing around a move to incorporate and implement a new strategic plan.  Parks Canada and related agencies of the federal government are involved in emerging new programs involving ecological integrity, species and ecosystems at risk, marine conservation and biodiversity.  The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Parks and related agencies are implementing a new Parks Act and a new stewardship approach. First Nations communities are facing increasing pressures on traditional natural heritage areas. Agriculture is increasingly concerned with nature conservation as part of sustainable land use in Ontario's countryside.  Conservation authorities focus on landowner programs and source water protection in Ontario's watersheds.  The Nature Conservancy of Canada and other non-government organizations are increasingly involved in innovative community landscape initiatives.  Municipalities are creatively applying an array of new legislative, provincial policy and other tools at the urban - rural interface. New opportunities for heritage landscapes and other innovative approaches are growing.  Society is progressively recognizing the value of nature and its critical role in many facets of healthy and sustainable communities. 

Will current programs and initiatives work together to efficiently conserve the unique heritage of Carolinian Canada communities? Join us for a day of discussion and ideas.

Carolinian Canada Coalition Forum 2006 will bring together community leaders, conservationists, planners, managers, politicians, educators, researchers and citizens to examine new opportunities, identify challenges, highlight innovative approaches and grow sustainable connections between major conservation initiatives across southwestern Ontario.  Invited speakers will reveal the impacts of nature on our economy, health, landscapes and way of life.  Two panels will highlight current and innovative programs to protect the unique nature and green infrastructure in the communities of southwestern Ontario, Canada’s Carolinian life zone.

The Coalition extends a special invitation to municipal leaders across Carolinian Canada to gain insights into the conservation tools available to their communities.

Following the forum, the Coalition emerges into an exciting new phase as an independent non-profit.  All are invited to our Annual General Meeting, as we look forward to effective collaboration with individuals and groups who care about our natural lands to enhance conservation action in the region. The day will culminate with our Awards Ceremony to recognize conservation leaders of our time.

For over 20 years, the Carolinian Canada Coalition has been a leader in connecting people for the protection of the unique natural heritage of the Carolinian life zone of southwestern Ontario.