Seeds of Hope

As we approach the end of 2020, it seems appropriate to look for hopeful signs on the horizon for 2021. Two of the signs were forwarded by Anne Crossman.

Announcement from the Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Transition Trust.
Hiring of the Founding Principal for Gordonstoun Nova Scotia School

The third sign comes from the quarterly newsletter of Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve.

LINK to Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve website: https://blbra.ca/

The Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Trust of $50m was announced in February 2020. The NSCC will receive funding for a potentially multi-year project of up to $2m. The Forestry Innovation Voucher program will enable established businesses, new startups, non-profit community groups and Mi’kmaq partners to leverage the college’s infrastructure.

In 2021, we look forward to an official announcement of a Gordonstoun Nova Scotia founding Principal and any opportunity to connect the school’s interests with those at COGS/AGRG.

The Bras d’Or Lake BR newsletter includes a number of articles related to activities in Cape Breton. Specifically, there is information on climate change. Given the challenges in the Southwest Nova BR, this newsletter suggests a path forward.

At COGS/AGRG they have had an established climate network. A newsletter would allow sharing of this information with the local community. The same is also true of sea level rise, species at risk and the status of invasive species.

Rather than complain about the conflict between forestry practices and other values, let’s make sure that all members of the community have the best available information.

These seeds of hope suggest that we can better connect our educational institutions with the community at large, as well as the global community. We can collectively prepare ourselves for changes in our geography: economic, social and physical geography. The values of UNESCO-MAB will stand us in good stead.

Postscript

In New Glasgow, I have had the chance to re-read Dave Whitman’s book on Stephen McNeil. It offers useful insight into the politics of the Annapolis Valley. At the same time, it illustrates why we need to maintain a global perspective.

A video interview with Richard G. Thorne, Pro Tem Principal for Gordonstoun Nova Scotia, gives some insight to the Gordonstoun School background and mindset.