RCEN e-Bulletin — 31 March 2010

Network News

March 31^st, 2010

The RCEN 2010 Conference Programme is Now Available!

The preliminary programme for our 2010 Conference is now available online. We are planning to make this year's edition bigger and better than ever! Join your colleagues in Montreal from September 17-19, and hear expert speakers discuss the hot topic issue of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Here are a few highlights from the programme:

• A full day of panels and workshops devoted to biodiversity! Speakers from diverse backgrounds - environmental NGO, Aboriginal, youth, government, industry and more - will discuss the values they attach to ecosystem services | Sunday Programme
• Keynote speech and gala dinner (+ party!) on Saturday evening | Saturday Programme
• More time for RCEN caucus meetings, plus an afternoon networking session with the public | Friday Programme
• Plus: a special plenary session on a hot topic issue related to water in Quebec

Early-bird registration will be available soon! Stay tuned for more details.

Biodiversity Hotspot #5: It’s Alive or The Secret Life of Dirt

Some of the most naturally fertile soil in Canada can be found in the grasslands of Saskatchewan and Alberta. The rich dark soil is called chernozem and contains a very high percentage of humus (compost). As plants and animals grow and die, they leave behind their minerals and organic materials. Nature’s recyclers - insects, arthropods, earthworms, bacteria and fungi - eat this organic material and make it their home by constantly moving and mixing it. What a life! Read more

RCEN Delegate Selections

• ENGO International Year of Biodiversity Champions
• Metal Mining Effluent Regulations, Schedule 2 - Jolu Central Gold Mill Project (SK)

This Week's Headlines

Calls for Participation
Canada’s Top 40 Research Priorities for Conservation Policy

Participate in the World Youth Conference, Mexico 2010

Announcements
Environment Canada Looking for Guidance on the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Planet in Focus 2010 Call for Submissions Now Open

Action Alerts
CBAN - You can stop GE Alfalfa and Wheat before April 1^st

Events
Lights Out Canada in Schools on April 22

Zero Emissions Race 2010

Symposium of the Réseau québécois pour la simplicité volontaire

Employment
NB Environmental Network - Events & Youth Outreach Coordinator

Secrétariat des organismes environnementaux du Québec - Coordinator

REAP-Canada - Renewable Energy / Ecological Farming Internships

Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association – Chief Executive Officer