News Release: New Global Research Reveals Protection of Greenbelts Now More Critical Than Ever to Adapt to the Growing Threat of Climate Change
New Global Research Reveals Protection of Greenbelts Now More Critical Than Ever to Adapt to the Growing Threat of Climate Change
The report examines eight greenbelts around the world, ranging from Brazil to Denmark, to shine a light on the threats and opportunities they face
TORONTO, June 22, 2022 — The protection and enhancement of greenbelts around the world is more important than ever to the future of the cities and regions in which they exist. That is one of the key findings of a new report that shows how greenbelts, or natural areas with protected land-use policies, are evolving globally to respond to current and emerging conditions.
Greenbelts Around the World Responding to Local and Global Challenges by the Greenbelt Foundation includes eight international case studies, and it provides an update to a similar report published in 2010. For the study, interviews were conducted with experts from around the world on four main themes: 1) nature-based solutions; 2) food and agricultural system; 3) outdoor tourism and recreation; and 4) growth management.
Greenbelts Around the World Responding to Local and Global Challenges
Greenbelts Around the World Responding to Local and Global Challenges, a report developed by the Greenbelt Foundation, examines how greenbelts are evolving to respond to current and emerging conditions found within cities and regions around the world.
Greenbelts are becoming increasingly important in the face of mounting global challenges, such as climate change, disruption in global food systems, extreme weather events, rising energy prices, and water issues and needs. There are also positive changes and benefits to report including urban growth control, climate change mitigation and adaptation, supporting local economies, nature conservation, tourism and recreation, and protection of agricultural land. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the significance of proximity to nature for the health and well-being of residents more than ever before.
Greenbelts Around the World Responding to Local and Global Challenges includes eight international case studies, and it provides an update to a similar report published in 2010. For the study, interviews were conducted with experts from around the world on four main themes: 1) nature-based solutions; 2) the food and agricultural system; 3) outdoor tourism and recreation; and 4) growth management.
News Release: Greenbelt Foundation Grant Helps Black and Indigenous Youth Form a Meaningful Connection to Nature
Greenbelt Foundation Grant Helps Black and Indigenous Youth Form a Meaningful Connection to Nature
The Local Explorers program is delivered in partnership between Green Thumbs Growing Kids and Project Canoe
TORONTO, June 16, 2022 – The Local Explorers program supports Black and Indigenous youth (girls aged 11-17) to cultivate a connection to nature that can be found all around them in creative and sustainable ways. The new program is a partnership between Green Thumbs Growing Kids and Project Canoe, and the project leaders are Black and Indigenous.
Youth from Black and Indigenous communities often do not have the opportunity, access or resources to safely engage in outdoor recreation programs. The challenge to connect to nature is even greater for those located within densely populated urban centres. Also, young people are more open to the healing qualities of nature when they share a feeling of acceptance and belonging. The leaders of Local Explorers recognize these challenges and have designed the program to address this need and foster an understanding that connection to nature is possible all around us.
Stories from the Greenbelt: Regenerative Soil Health Practices Help Reduce Weeds
Regenerative Soil Practices Help Reduce Weeds
June 14, 2022
Like taxes, weeds are a fact of life. But what are weeds? They are just plants growing in the wrong place.
Growing crops for a living means reducing the impact of weeds that can outcompete your crops by taking the available moisture and nutrients. Weeds and pests can reduce yields, farm income and profits, regardless of the type of production system: be it grains and oilseeds, vegetables, fruit, organic, or otherwise.
News Release: Canadian Public Relations Society Recognizes Greenbelt Foundation’s Excellent Communications Program on the Significance of Protecting Nature
Canadian Public Relations Society Recognizes Greenbelt Foundation’s Excellent Communications Program on the Significance of Protecting Nature
Near-urban nature, far-reaching solutions campaign supported the launch of Southern Ontario Nature Coalition’s Near-Urban Nature Network
TORONTO, June 8, 2022 — Greenbelt Foundation’s communications campaign Near-urban nature, far-reaching solutions to promote a Southern Ontario Nature Coalition (SONC) project has been honoured at the national level with two 2022 Awards of Excellence by the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS).
Stories from the Greenbelt: The Greenbelt Through My Lens
The Greenbelt Through My Lens
May 26th, 2022
The work of an inspiring conservationist in the Oak Ridges Moraine, the forming of the iconic Bruce Trail, the creation of an organic hops farm - these are the stories and experiences I get to share.
Request for Proposals: Conference Organizing Services
Request for Proposal
Conferencing Organizing Services
Purpose
The Greenbelt Foundation is seeking to procure the services of an Event Management Agency or Independent Event Planner. The Foundation is planning for the second Ontario Global Greenbelts Conference in September 2023. This RFP provides the background, intent, and expectations for the project to allow prospective bidders an opportunity to submit a competitive proposal for this exciting project.
Background
The Greenbelt Foundation is the only organization solely dedicated to ensuring the Ontario Greenbelt remains permanent, protected, and prosperous. The Foundation operates as an independent, charitable organization, and receives core funding from the Government of Ontario as well as other public and private support to make strategic investments that enhance and improve the systems and productivity of the Greenbelt. Since 2005, we have funded and leveraged more than $100 million through investment in its interconnected natural, agricultural and economic systems, to ensure a working, thriving Greenbelt for all.
In 2011, the Foundation organized a highly successful conference that attracted participation from local and international participants. Organized along a series of themes the conference provided a learning and networking opportunity and was supported across the political spectrum and by all levels of government. More recently the Foundation has developed an updated Global Greenbelt research study report which provides a renewed look at the state of selected greenbelt areas across the world.
Our planned 2023 Ontario Global Greenbelts Conference is intended to be a high-impact cross-sectoral conference. The Conference will bring together thought-leaders from around the world and across sectors to share knowledge about trends, issues, and opportunities facing Greenbelts as important land use policies and areas that often benefit from broad public support in rapidly urbanizing regions.
News Release: Shake Up The Establishment Launches Podcast Series About the Greenbelt
Shake Up The Establishment Launches Podcast Series About the Greenbelt
Topics range from history of the Greenbelt to Indigenous land stewardship and nature-based solutions
TORONTO, May 3, 2022—The Greenbelt Foundation is pleased to support Shake Up The Establishment’s new podcast series that will enhance youth involvement in the Greenbelt. Podcast lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those wishing to learn more about the Greenbelt will enjoy listening to wide range of topics that delve into the features and benefits of the Greenbelt from a climate-action lens.
Stories from the Greenbelt: Introducing the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy
Introducing the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy
April 28th, 2022
More than ever, we are looking to native plants to heal the landscape, but ecologically appropriate plants can be difficult to produce at the scale restoration projects demand and called for by the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. What can we do in southern Ontario where native plants have been removed from over 80 per cent of the landscape?