(April 20, 2023) - Laurentian University is celebrating this year’s Earth Day (April 22, 2023) by announcing a commitment to join the Nature Positive University Alliance (NPUA), to support the prioritization of nature restoration within the higher education sector. The NPUA was formed by the University of Oxford and the United Nations Environmental Programme and launched in December 2022 during the COP15 Biodiversity Conference. The alliance counts 128 universities worldwide, including four in Ontario.
“The Nature Positive University Alliance is an initiative that will form a major contribution to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It will also allow us to uphold Laurentian’s existing environmental legacy and make even greater contributions to ecosystem restoration,” said Anastacia Chartrand, Chair of the Laurentian University Environmental Sustainability Committee (ESC).
A first step of joining the alliance is to perform a baseline study of the biodiversity on campus. To be “Nature Positive”, Laurentian University will need a measured biodiversity baseline, clear actions, and transparent reporting.
“We are pleased to make this pledge, this is a significant step towards environmental stewardship of the university’s biodiversity,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of Laurentian University.
“As we prepare for Laurentian University’s strategic planning process, we will work closely with our stakeholders and position ourselves to contribute to the larger goal of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. In addition, we wish to meet our responsibility for sustaining clean drainage water for Ramsey Lake, and are seeking to participate in the Mayor’s challenge to protect 30% of lands and waters within the municipal boundary by 2030,” added Dr. Embleton.
The ESC was formed in 2019, is focused on promoting environmental awareness, and is made up of current students and alumni.