Online Webinar
Canada
Webinar description: recognition of the Rights of Nature in Wetlands, or Rights of Wetlands (ROW), is an emerging approach that celebrates and restores the connection between people and wetlands, and can be implemented to improve ecological restoration outcomes. ROW recognizes the oneness between people and Nature – we are a part of Nature and Nature is a part of us. Rights and the living personhood/beingness of Nature have been recognized throughout human history and globally across cultures, particularly by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. Increasing evidence suggests that land demarcated as Indigenous Lands protects the natural environment through reduced rates of wetland degradation and deforestation, less habitat conversion and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to surrounding areas. Traditional knowledge and management practices often play a significant role in protecting and restoring crucial habitats and the socio- ecological systems they support.
This presentation will discuss how restoration of our relationship with wetlands/Nature can lead to improved outcomes for wetland restoration and protection and will introduce approaches for implementing ROW to achieve improved outcomes. Links to supporting materials that can assist others in implementing a ROW approach to wetland restoration and protection will be shared. These materials will include a pamphlet titled, Rights of Wetlands: Transforming Our Relationship with Wetlands; the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Wetlands; links to peer-reviewed journal articles on ROW; and a link to the Rights of Wetlands website.
Speakers:
Gillian Davies, Senior Ecological Scientist at BSC Group Inc.
Gillian Davies is a Senior Ecological Scientist at BSC Group, Inc., where her work focuses on the intersection of climate change and wetlands. She is a Visiting Scholar at the Tufts University Global Development and Environment Institute and is the President-Elect for the SWS Professional Certification Program. She was the 2016-2017 SWS President, is a co-lead for the SWS Climate Change and Wetlands Initiative and the SWS Rights of Wetlands Initiative, and also chairs the SWS WOTUS ad hoc sub-committee. Earlier in her career, Gillian was a wetlands education and outreach specialist at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and founded her own wetlands consulting business. Gillian has a Master of Environmental Studies degree with a concentration in ecosystem ecology from the Yale School of the Environment, and a bachelor’s degree from Williams College. She is a Professional Wetland Scientist and a Registered Soil Scientist.
Bethanie Walder, Executive Director at the Society for Ecological Restoration
Bethanie Walder joined the Society for Ecological Restoration as Executive Director in September 2015 and has more than 20 years’ experience in environmental conservation, restoration and education. Prior to joining the SER, Bethanie served as the Executive Director of Wildlands CPR, where she oversaw several highly successful conservation and restoration campaigns. Bethanie has also worked as an organizational development, strategic planning and natural resources management consultant. She was a founding member of several coalitions and non-governmental organizations including Women’s Voices for the Earth and the Washington Watershed Restoration Initiative. She is responsible for helping guide SER's overall work to achieve its mission of advancing the science, practice and policy of ecological restoration. Bethanie has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Studies from Duke University and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana. She lives, works, and plays in Missoula, Montana.
Dr. Matthew Simpson, Director at 35percent
Dr. Matthew Simpson is a director of 35percent, an independent wetland specialist consultancy, and has over 25 years’ experience in managing wetland-related conservation, research, assessment and management projects. Matthew is also Co-Director of the Cobra Collective, that empowers marginalized communities through participatory engagement approaches and innovative technologies. Matthew has managed conservation, research, restoration, management and capacity building projects in Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America and North America. He is currently the President of the Society of Wetland Scientists Europe, an accredited Professional Wetland Scientist and recent President of the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Accreditation Program. He is a committee member of the Constructed Wetland Association, is an observer of the Scientific & Technical Review Panel for the Convention on Wetlands, is a member of the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation Independent Advisory Committee and is a member of the International Association for Ecology’s Working Group on Wetlands which represents over 30 national and international ecological associations. Furthermore, he is part of the Society of Wetland Scientists Rights of Wetlands Initiative.