Biodiversity Council Members Appointed

NOTE: Biographical information about the four council members follows this release.

Four experts who will help craft new legislation and recommend new actions to promote biodiversity in Nova Scotia have been chosen for the new Biodiversity Council.

Today, May 22, is the International Day for Biological Diversity.

The members are:

• Donna Hurlburt, aboriginal advisor at Acadia University, Mi’kmaq ecologist and conservation biologist
• Kate Sherren, associate professor and academic programs co-ordinator of the Dalhousie School for Resource and Environmental Studies
• Graham Forbes, professor at the University of New Brunswick and the director of the New Brunswick Cooperatives Research Unit and the Sir James Dunn Wildlife Research Centre
• Peter Oram, senior environmental specialist at the technical consulting and management services provider GHD

The experts begin their work immediately and are appointed for two-year terms.

A new Biodiversity Act will enable Nova Scotia to improve the conservation and sustainable use of wild species and ecosystems in flexible and adaptive ways, address legislative gaps and manage emerging risks.

Creating a new Biodiversity Council is included in the 2017 mandate letter of the Natural Resources Minister Margaret Miller.

Council Member Information:
Donna Hurlburt is an aboriginal advisor at Acadia University and an independent consultant using her expertise as a Mi’kmaq ecologist and conservation biologist. Ms. Hurlburt has a PhD in environmental biology and ecology from the University of Alberta, a master of science in biology from Acadia University, and a bachelor of science in agriculture and animal science from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

Kate Sherren is an associate professor in Dalhousie’s School for Resource and Environmental Studies. Ms. Sherren’s research focuses on multifunctional landscapes, cultural ecosystem services, climate adaptation, and environmental education. Ms. Sherren has a PhD in resource management and environmental studies from the Australian National University and B.E.S honors in geography from the University of Waterloo.

Graham Forbes is a professor at the University of New Brunswick and the director of the New Brunswick Cooperatives Research Unit and the Sir James Dunn Wildlife Research Centre. Mr. Forbes has a bachelor of arts in biogeography at York University and a master’s degree and PhD from the University of Waterloo. A successful academic with an extensive publication record, Mr. Forbes leverages his knowledge to advise the national and provincial governments on a wide range of conservation issues.

Peter Oram is a senior environmental specialist at GHD with 30 years of experience in environmental impact assessment and public consultation. Mr. Oram has a bachelor of arts double major in geology and geography with a minor in biology from Mount Allison University. He has lectured at Dalhousie University in the Environmental Science and Mining Engineering Departments and is routinely involved in the development and review of legislation associated with mine and aggregate operations in Nova Scotia and beyond.