Earth Observations of Vegetation for a Sustainable Future in Canada
Canada’s vast forests and agricultural lands are critical for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and economic stability. However, these ecosystems face growing threats from deforestation, climate change, wildfires, and land degradation. Monitoring vegetation health and changes at a national scale is vital but challenging, given the size and diversity of the landscape.
Remote sensing earth observation technologies offer a transformative solution by providing real-time, large-scale data on vegetation. Integrating this data into forestry, agricultural, urban, and wildfire management strategies at the local, provincial, and national levels is key to sustaining Canada’s ecosystems and strengthening climate.
Research Engagement Collaborative Alliance with Partners (RECAP) and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration are co-hosting an event on earth observations of vegetation for a sustainable future in Canada, bringing together Western researchers and diverse individual and organization experts from across a variety of communities, industries, governments and not-for-profits to share perspectives, find common ground, build connections, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The event will consist of a panel discussion and break-out sessions, as well as a networking lunch.
Our chair for the event is:
- Natasha McBean, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography & Environment and Department of Biology, Western University
- James Voogt, Professor, Department of Geography & Environment, Western University
Panelists joining us to share different viewpoints and initiate discussion among all participants include:
- Anna Badillo, Executive Director, Urban Roots;
- Laura Chasmer, Associate Professor, Department of Geography & Environment, University of Lethbridge;
- Kristen Cote, Co-founder & Vice President Research & Development, Wyvern;
- Michelle Kalamandeen, NbS Geospatial Coordinator, unique land use GmbH;
- Greg Patterson, CEO & Company Founder, A&L Canada Laboratories Inc.;
- Camile Söthe, Data Scientist, Planet
Agenda
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Arrivals & Refreshments (optional) |
| 9:30 a.m. | Welcome and Land Acknowledgement, Introduction to Session and Theme |
| 9:50 a.m. | Panel Presentation – Earth Observations of Vegetation for a Sustainable Future in Canada
|
| 10:50 a.m. |
Discussion Session #1
|
| 12:00 p.m. | Networking Lunch |
| 1:00 p.m. | Summary of Discussion Session #1 |
| 1:15 p.m. |
Discussion Session #2
|
| 2:10 p.m. | Break |
| 2:25 p.m. | Summary of Discussion #2 |
| 2:35 p.m. |
Next Steps
|
| 2:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks |
| 3:00 p.m. | Event Closure |
Venue and Parking Information
Museum London is located at 421 Ridout St. North, in downtown London, Ontario, at the intersection of Dundas and Ridout Street overlooking the Deshkan Ziibi / Thames River. Please see details about parking and bus transporations here.
RECAP Modules
We are asking all attendees to go through RECAP's learning modules prior to the day of the event. The three modules take approximately 30 minutes each, for a total of 1.5 hours. The modules will help establish a common understanding and language related to research partnerships, the roles individuals can play, and ways to overcome power differentials when contributing or learning about multi-sectorial expertise, lived experience, and critical perspectives.
To ensure a successful event, we are seeking to confirm your attendance for the event, as well as committing to going through the learning modules beforehand. Please register by February 21, 2025.
Contact
If you have questions about this event and/or RECAP, please email western.recap@uwo.ca.
