Freshwater ecosystems face many threats, and their constituent biodiversity have suffered great losses. Therefore, there is an urgency to protect and restore freshwater biodiversity. Policies and practices intended to benefit freshwater biodiversity need to be based on robust evidence and actually deliver on their promise. Evidence comes in various forms spanning western science, Indigenous ways of knowing, and stakeholder knowledge, all of which are valid and need to be considered. Although practitioners, decision-makers and scientists are often viewed as key players in conservation initiatives there is need for broader engagement given the gravity of the task at hand. Beyond evidence, there is also need to generate public and political will. Communicating the value of freshwater biodiversity to diverse publics and establishing emotional connections (beyond despair) will be critical for protecting and restoring freshwater biodiversity. Dr. Steven Cooke and Dr. Shannon Sterling will be hosted by Dr. Irena Creed for this iSPEAC Seminar.

Learn more about the 9am session with Dr. Shannon Sterling here.

This is a hybrid event and will occur both in-person and online.

• In person: Room 140, Environmental Science and Chemistry Building,
  University of Toronto Scarborough, 1065 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON, Canada, M1C 1A4
  Note: Seating is limited to 35 guests.
  Refreshments will be served starting 10:45am. 
• Zoom: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/88396465774
  Meeting ID: 883 9646 5774