Thursday, October 21, Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines and the Vale Living with Lakes Centre held an official kick-off event in celebration of the U.N. Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.
Launched by the United Nations General Assembly, the U.N. Decade of Ecosystem Restoration is an initiative that aims to support global efforts to protect and restore ecosystems and halt climate change.
“The Sudbury Story reminds us that for more than 60 years, Laurentian has been at the crossroads of culture, industry, art, science, and politics, growing from a humble and small institution to become one of Northern Ontario’s foremost universities.” said Dr. Robert Haché, President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
The importance of this occasion highlights Sudbury’s ongoing role as a model of restoration. The Vale Living with Lakes Centre and Goodman School of Mines have captured this with the launch of the “Environmental Remediation: Global Lessons from the Sudbury Story'' course, which examines the innovative efforts that made Sudbury the globally recognized regreened city it is today. Moreover, a new important educational initiative was launched by the Goodman School of Mines this September with the Mineral Resources Industry Leadership Certificate (MRILC), which is designed to foster leadership, character development, and resource industry stewardship in individuals seeking careers in mining. The program also incorporates a mentorship component that matches students with mentors that work in the industry. Participants from this inaugural cohort of the program were able to attend the event, network, and meet their mentors for the first time in person. And finally, Dr. John Gunn, director of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, launched Laurentian’s program of activities participating in the U.N. Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, building on the incredible history of Sudbury restoration, but also highlighting the ongoing importance of environmental research and training of students in these fields. Notable words of congratulations were contributed by Dr. Jane Goodall, and the Hon. Bob Rae (UN Ambassador for Canada) acknowledging the importance of this research and community progress.
Industry sponsors for both the Environmental Remediation course and the Mineral Resources Industry Leadership Certificate attended the event to celebrate the launch of each respective program. Guests were also joined by local federal MP Viviane Lapointe, provincial MP Jamie West, and Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger.
This event was part of a number of activities that took place at Laurentian University this week in celebration of this occasion. Earlier that day, the United Nations x Student General Association (SGA) Restoration Trail and Recovery Garden grand opening also took place. A student-led initiative, inspired by the U.N. Decade of Ecosystem Restoration that saw the dedication of one of the many restored trails on the Laurentian campus. The celebrations closed with the 2021 Watershed Lecture webinar presented by the Vale Living with Lakes Centre on Friday, October 22, featuring Dr. Line Rochefort.
CONTACT
For information about the Environmental Remediation course and other educational initiatives, please contact:
Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk
Interim President and CEO
MIRARCO
Acting Interim Executive Director
Goodman School of Mines
nx_mykytczuk@laurentian.ca
For information about the Mineral Resources Industry Leadership Certificate, please contact:
Nicole Tardif
Program Coordinator
Goodman School of Mines
ntardif@laurentian.ca
For information about the U.N. Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, please contact:
Dr. John Gunn
Director
Vale Living with Lakes Centre
jgunn@laurentian.ca