What is needed by all living things, can be touched but not felt, and is everywhere but never seen? You guessed it is, it’s air. Plant and land biodiversity is one of the biggest contributors to good air quality. With around 40% of Canada’s land base covered in forests, we are incredibly lucky, but we also need to ensure we conserve this natural gift. SDG 15 challenges us to do more to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of our land ecosystems.
Training more people to work in forest conservation, natural resources, and land management is one way colleges and institutes help improve the air we breathe.
- At Maritime College of Forest Technology, all students are enrolled in the Forest Technology Program, where they learn to use tools and technologies to gather data across forested environments. Students also learn about forestry dynamics, wildlife habitat, management, and other current issues.
- At Lethbridge College, students in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Enforcement take their passion for protecting the land, wildlife, and fisheries resources to the next level. Through classroom theory, lab exercises and outdoor excursions, students develop the skills needed to deal with problem wildlife, investigate violations, enforce resource laws and more. This is also the first program of its kind to be offered in Canada!
- Saskatchewan Polytechnic is home to the School of Natural Resources and Built Environment. The school’s nine programs give students applied learning opportunities like lab exercises, simulated investigations, and field experiences to prepare them for careers in environmental protection and technology.
- At Yukon University, Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences (in collaboration with University of Alberta) integrates natural and social sciences to investigate the unique ecosystem and cultural issues of the North. Students learn the structure and function of ecosystems and assess and implement conservation and restoration measures.
- At Cégep de Sainte-Foy, the Forest Technology program (Technologie forestière) gives students concrete training on how to develop forest resources while contributing to the protection and conservation of local ecosystems.
- At Fleming College, students in Environmental Land Management (Canadian context) get hands-on experience conducting environmental assessments and impact studies to plan for more sustainable and liveable cities. This certificate is the only post-grad program of its kind in Ontario and is specifically designed to support students transitioning to work in the Canadian context!
- At British Columbia Institute of Technology, Forest and Natural Areas Management is a two-year diploma program with a focus on forestry, vegetation management, arboriculture for supporting sustainable community development in both rural and urban environments.
- Students in Cégep de St-Félicien’s Forest Resource Management (Aménagement de la ressource forestière) program develop skills in forest resources management, planning, conservation, research, and sustainable use of forests.
Don’t forget! Tomorrow is the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies. Biodiversity is an essential part of that. How can we do more to protect #TheAirWeShare?