Mapping natural assets and responding to the impacts of climate change - Learning from Connected Communities: An in-depth look at Nature-Based Climate Solutions in Atlantic Canada

Climate change is here, it is happening, and it is impacting New Brunswickers across the province and other Atlantic Canada residents.  Nature-based and natural approaches to adapting to climate change focus on implementing infrastructure that restores and protects natural areas while removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere, reducing flooding and stormwater surge risks, and supporting biodiversity.

There is interest and support for nature-based climate solutions from residents (see public survey of opinion results here) and there are many examples of successful projects across the region (see maps of case studies here).  Municipalities, community organizations, and landowners, however, face many barriers and challenges to developing their own nature-based projects including access to funding, materials, knowledgeable contractors, native plants, and more.

Join the NBEN, CLIMAtlantic, and Nature NB for a seven-part webinar and discussion series throughout June and early July where we will hear from communities across the Atlantic Provinces who have implemented nature-based infrastructure. Let's learn from their experience to understand the  challenges they encountered in the process, how they overcame those challenges, where they accessed the funds and resources, and what the results/successes of the projects have been. There will be opportunities to ask speakers your pressing questions and receive input and advice to surpass the challenges you might be facing in your communities.


This third webinar will be exploring how communities can ensure the longterm management and longevity of their nature-based infrastructure through mapping and management of natural assets, and preparing to respond to the effects of climate change. Infrastructure requires long term management and maintenance, and it can be challenging to know what is required to maintain nature-based infrastructure. Many communities across Atlantic Canada have worked to identify, value, and account for natural assets in their provision of municipal services. Management and maintenance plans are even more crucial in the face of climate change impacts, as communities often have to pivot and re-evaluate to respond to major storm events like Hurricane Fiona. 


Speakers:

Dodick Gasser, CCNB-INOV, Grand Falls, NB



Dodick Gasser, Ph. D., Agr., M. Env., is a research scientist in applied ecology and environment with over 20 years of experience in applied research with organizations in forest ecology, silviculture, sustainable forest management, natural resources management, waste management, agriculture & land use planning. He has undertaken extensive environmental and agricultural research projects over his career. He leads a team that applies and develops several methodologies to characterize natural assets, assess ecosystem services and plan nature-based solutions.

Alistair Ozon, Water Coordinator, City of Charlottetown 



Alistair joined the City’s Environment and Sustainability Department in 2020 as the Water Coordinator. He completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at Dalhousie University and has an Advanced Diploma in Water Quality from Memorial University’s Marine Institute. In his role with the City, he works with local watershed groups, academic institutions and other stakeholders on projects relating to watershed management, Charlottetown’s Ecological Pond Study, municipal natural asset management, living shorelines, and flood protection. Alistair also works with the Water & Sewer Utility to further water conservation measures and works to encourage low impact development practices in stormwater management


This webinar will be bilingual with interpretation.