Nature Based Coastal Solutions and Ecological Restoration Symposium 2024
The 2024 Nature Based Coastal Solution and Ecological Restoration Symposium is dedicated to creating a space for reflection, collaboration, and development. Through open dialogue and discussion of successes earned, challenges faced, and lessons learned, we hope to support the continued implementation and advancements of nature-based and restoration projects in Canada and North America.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Line Rochefort
Line Rochefort is a professor at Université Laval and hold a Research Chair in Ecosystem Restoration. She is also the director of the Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG / GRET in French). Her research focus is the study of bryophyte ecology in northern disturbed ecosystems, of which a great part of her career has focused on the biology of Sphagnum mosses, which led her to become a leader in peatland ecological restoration in Canada and one of the world's pioneers in this field.
The restoration of disturbed mineral bare ground (post ore mining, sand pits) using bryophytes and lichens (biocrusts) is a developing branch of study in her laboratory.
Dr. Donna Marie Bilkovic
Dr. Donna Marie Bilkovic employs socio-ecological theory, spatial modeling, and field ecology to investigate the intersection of coastal ecosystems and human communities. She is a professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, William & Mary, and serves as the Assistant Director of the Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM).
Dr. Bilkovic's research centers on the ecological and sociocultural benefits of nature-based shoreline protection, the resilience of coastal habitats, the impact of shoreline alterations on fish communities, and the sustainability of marshes and their ecosystem services. She is the Lead Editor and a contributing author of "Living Shorelines: The Science and Management of Nature-Based Coastal Protection" (2017, CRC Press), the first comprehensive book on nature-based shoreline protection. Additionally, she has authored over 30 papers on shoreline ecosystems and nature-based coastal protection.
Dr. Larissa Naylor
Larissa Naylor is Professor of Geomorphology and Environmental Geography at the University of Glasgow, UK. Larissa is a coastal geomorphologist who works at the interface of geomorphology, ecology and engineering and applies this to address ecological and climate change challenges facing society. Larissa helped establish the UK’s Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership; informed the IPCC’s 4th and 5th Assessments; and advised the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
She has shaped climate change, marine, flooding and planning policies and climate change adaptation action plans. Her work has won notable awards for career achievements, best papers, industry innovation and as exemplars of international best practice on coastal risk management and nature-based solutions projects, including co-leading a chapter in US Corps of Army Engineers International guidelines on Natural and Nature-based Solutions for managing coastal flooding and erosion.
Nature Based Coastal Solutions and Ecological Restoration Symposium
June 24-26
Saint Mary’s University, Sobey school of Business
903 Robie St, Halifax, NS B3H 3C2
This event, hosted by TransCoastal Adaptations and Coastal Zone Canada’s Nature-Based Coastal Solutions Community of Practice, and in conjunction with the Society for Ecological Restoration (Eastern Canada) aims to engage critical discourse around the feasibility of nature-based adaptation to climate change by defining successful cases, developing frameworks, and mobilizing collective lessons learned. The symposium includes plenary-style talks, attracting leading experts across Canada and the USA and a public Nature Based Coastal Solutions and Ecological Restoration Expo (more information below) showcasing the nature-based climate adaptation and ecological restoration work being conducted regionally and nationally.
Nature Based Coastal Solutions and Ecological Restoration Expo
June 25
Saint Mary’s University
The Nature Based Coastal Solutions and Ecological Restoration Expo is open to the public and will showcase nature-based climate adaptation work being conducted regionally and nationally.
Field Trip and Workshops
June 23 and June 27
We are pleased to offer 4 exciting field trips that will highlight beautiful Nova Scotia, providing participants opportunity to visit restoration sites and nature-based projects in the Bay of Fundy and along the South Shore. Visit the Field Trips page for more details.
Saint Mary’s University COVID-19 Protocols
In keeping with Public Health guidance, masks are not required on campus.
Masks are encouraged (but not required) in common areas, hallways, classrooms, labs and events taking place on campus, including public lectures and gatherings.
Our Partners and Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
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