October 6th, 2022 has been designated the first annual UNESCO International Geodiversity Day, as declared at the November 2021 UNESCO General Assembly. To commemorate this important occasion in Ottawa, Carleton University Earth Sciences in partnership with the Canada Science and Technology Museum presents:

"Celebrating Geodiversity; the critical foundation for diverse ecosystems on a changing planet."

What is Geodiversity? Geodiversity refers to the abiotic or non-living parts of nature including rocks, sediments, minerals, fossils, soils, landscapes and water systems. It has been called the “silent partner” of biodiversity, because biologically diverse ecosystems rely on a diversity of underlying geological materials from which to source nutrients and other services. Humans too depend on a variety of geological materials to support our societies, from building materials to the resources we need to create clean energy technologies.

Keynote Presentation:

“Remarkable Earth and Ecosystem Changes in the Canadian Arctic Through Deep Time"
Dr. Claudia Schröder-Adams Professor Emeritus, Department Earth Sciences, Carleton University

Panel Discussion:

•  Jan Peter, Research Scientist, Economic Geologist - Geological Survey Canada
• Tessa Di Iorio, Risk Management Office/Inspector, Source Water Inspection, City of Ottawa, IAH-CNC Secretary
• Dr. Peter Dang, Entomologist, Biodiversity Conservancy Pinhey Sand Dunes
• Dr. Steven Cooke, Biologist, Canada Research Professor, Director Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science - Faculty of Science, Carleton

For more information and to register for this free event being hosted in person at the Canada Science and Technology Museum or virtually on Zoom, visit: Geodiversity Symposium: The Foundation for Diverse Ecosystems on a Changing Planet | Faculty of Science (carleton.ca)