Interpretation: A Key to Ecosystem Restoration in the 21st Century
The United Nations has declared 2021-2030 the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a groundbreaking initiative to address the pressing global challenge of environmental degradation. To ensure the success of the Decade, many new and innovative approaches to environmental stewardship must be adopted. One such approach is the use of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) in afforestation areas.
TEK is the accumulated traditional knowledge, practices and beliefs of indigenous and local communities that relate to their environment and the sustainable use of natural resources. It is based on generations of observation, experimentation, and adaptation to the environment, and is often deeply embedded within the cultural and spiritual values of the community. In afforestation areas, TEK can be used to identify the traditional and medicinal uses of the plants found in the area, protect species at risk, and manage the impact of invasive species.
Traditional and medicinal uses of plants in afforestation areas can be determined by tapping into TEK. Through TEK, local communities can identify the plants that grow in the area, their medicinal properties, and the traditional uses of the plants. This knowledge can be used to develop a comprehensive inventory of the area’s plant species and their uses, which can inform the conservation and management of the area.
TEK can also be used to identify species at risk and protect them from further degradation. Indigenous and local communities often have specialized knowledge on the natural environments in their area, including which species are rare or endangered. This knowledge can be used to prioritize conservation efforts and take action to protect these species.
Finally, TEK can be used to mitigate the impacts of invasive species in afforestation areas. TEK can provide information on how to identify, monitor, and manage invasive species, and on traditional methods for controlling them. For example, local communities can be engaged in efforts to remove invasive species and restore native habitats.
The 21st century must be one of environmental stewardship. The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration provides a unique opportunity to put TEK to use in afforestation areas, to protect species at risk, and to address the impacts of invasive species. By incorporating TEK into the restoration process, the Decade can be a crucial step in the global fight against environmental degradation.
Are you a Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer with a passion for outdoor education, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons, and Aboriginal knowledge, culture and ethics?
If you are an experienced Cultural and Environmental Heritage Writer who is passionate about reconciliation and cross-cultural learning, we want to hear from you for stage one of this contract position! Please send us your resume and a writing sample for consideration.
We look forward to hearing from you!

More Information is at KIJIJI on this position
More about this Contract position is posted at Sask Culture
This is STAGE ONE of the Call for Tender.
Please email friendsafforestation@gmail.com for clarification or for further details
For directions as to how to drive to “George Genereux” Urban Regional Park
For directions on how to drive to Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
For more information:
Blairmore Sector Plan Report; planning for the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, George Genereux Urban Regional Park and West Swale and areas around them inside of Saskatoon city limits
NEW P4G District Official Community Plan
Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area is located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada north of Cedar Villa Road, within city limits, in the furthest south west area of the city. 52° 06′ 106° 45′
Addresses:
Part SE 23-36-6 – Afforestation Area – 241 Township Road 362-A
Part SE 23-36-6 – SW Off-Leash Recreation Area (Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area ) – 355 Township Road 362-A
S ½ 22-36-6 Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area (West of SW OLRA) – 467 Township Road 362-A
NE 21-36-6 “George Genereux” Afforestation Area – 133 Range Road 3063
Wikimapia Map: type in Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Google Maps South West Off Leash area location pin at parking lot
Web page: https://stbarbebaker.wordpress.com
Where is the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area? with map
Where is the George Genereux Urban Regional Park (Afforestation Area)?with map
Pinterest richardstbarbeb
Blogger: FriendsAfforestation
Tumblr friendsafforestation.tumblr.comFacebook Group Page: Users of the George Genereux Urban Regional Park
Facebook: StBarbeBaker Afforestation Area
Facebook for the non profit Charity Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. FriendsAreas
Facebook group page : Users of the St Barbe Baker Afforestation Area
Facebook: South West OLRA
Reddit: FriendsAfforestation
Twitter: St Barbe Baker Charity Twitter:FriendsAreas
Mix: friendsareas
YouTube
Please help protect / enhance your afforestation areas, please contact the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc. (e-mail / e-transfers )Support the afforestation areas with your donation or membership ($20.00/year). Please donate by paypal or by using e-transfers Please and thank you! Your donation and membership is greatly appreciated. Members e-mail your contact information to be kept up to date!
Donations can be made through Paypal, Canada Helps, Contact Donate A Car Canada, SARCAN Drop & Go 106100594 for the Friends of the Saskatoon Afforestation Areas Inc.
United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Use the UN Decade’s Visual Identity
Make it your own
Spread the word about the UN Decade
Let’s Bring Back Forests
Let’s Green Our Cities
“Be like a tree in pursuit of your cause. Stand firm, grip hard, thrust upward. Bend to the winds of heaven..”
Richard St. Barbe Baker