Introduction of Speaker: Dave Paul introduced Dr. Ellie Bennett
Doctorate in Biology, over 10 years of experience in Teaching and Education; worked at the Aquatarium; speaks 3 different languages; likes hiking and mountain biking.
International Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ICSRC)
UNESCO – finding ways to keep people and nature thriving together; biospheres. 669 sites, 120 countries. We are part of the Frontenac Arch biosphere in our area. In 2013 an Euro MAB conference was held here and concluded that there would be a designated spot for this sustainable community.
The Objective is a physical and virtual hub for achieving the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program LIMA 2016 strategic objectives, focusing on building sustainable rural communities.
A collective centre for the support of sustainable development practices amongst the various players of the 52 member states of the UNESCO EuroMAB network.
Regognize and capitalize on Indigenous, traditional and scientific knowledge to produce innovative solutions for the challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and sustainable development.
Research-Educate-Inspire-Innovate-Sustainable Development
Cities are dependent on Rural Communities
What will the Centre look like? Meeting spaces, labs, conference areas, education centres, 1500 square feet of space community space.
What will the ICSRC bring to Brockville?
Prestige (UNESCO brand, Queen’s U)
Community involvement
Tourism and visitors
International network
Jobs and Growth
Research – innovation and new tech
Educational partnership
Funding Requirements: some donors have come forward, but more is still needed: $70,000 is required to complete the project prospectus to be presented at the next UNESCO EuroMAB conference in April of this year.
Still don’t have an estimated cost of the building yet – depends on the LEED designation. The sustainability of the building, the research and training that will occur there will enable them to receive grants both nationally and internationally. The vision is that it will be close to the Aquatarium – at least in the downtown core.
Website is www.sustainrural.ca
Thanking Speaker: Bob Barbour
President’s Reminders:
Make-up sheets are here.
Dates to remember –
Sunday 1:30 is the meeting for Clubrunner for Fundraising January 8th
Communications Meeting at Kim Barr’s house – January 9th
Duties Wednesday January 11th:
Set-up and Take Down: Bob C
Minutes: Anne Denny
Grace: Bill Fox
Rotary Minute: Pierre Atchison
Joke Master: Dave Paul
Fines Master: Shelley McCaffrey
Introduction of Speaker: Brent Collett
Thanking Speaker: Cathy Hunt
Thought for the Week: And now we welcome the New Year. Full of things that have never been. Rainer Maria Riike
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous. Confucius.