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From policy to action
IPY has brought together scientists and participants from all over the world to provide a greater understanding about issues concerning us all. Now we have to bring the knowledge into action, Canadian Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Chuck Strahl said this morning.
"The International Polar Year 2007-2008 is an exceptional undertaking for many reasons. It has provided us with the opportunity to study current issues facing the Polar Regions. Thus providing us all with an opportunity to learn more about the North and the people who live there, as well as the importance of the region. Now the researchers have a sales job to do", the Canadian Minister said this morning in the first plenary session of the day.
Strahl pointed out that the IPY had already stimulated our curiosity, and that it is now time to convince the community and the decision makers that this research and its findings should concern everyone.
"What happens at the Poles affects us all, he said, also urging researchers to address practical community issues."
Photo: John Petter Reinertsen/ Samfoto
Canadian Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, Chuck Strahl.Next generation
Strahl pointed out that IPY had played an important role in fostering the next generation of researchers, and that it had been a truly international and interdisciplinary endeavour.
"Canada is proud to have participated in the IPY as one of the large contributors," he said.
The Government of Canada's role in the International Polar Year is significant, with the funding of 51 research projects, focusing on climate change and adaptation and the health and well being of their Northern communities. The government allocated $156 million over six years to support Canada's participation.
Conference in Montreal in 2012
"Two years from now I hope many of us will be gathered in Montreal," Strahl said, referring to the IPY-conference From Knowledge to Action which will be hosted in Montreal, Quebec in April 2012.
He also informed that the Canadian IPY Federal Programme Office has donated free registration to the conference to all winners of the outstanding presentation and best oral presentation award, wich will be presented at the closing ceremony on Saturday.
The Canadian IPY Program Office is leading the planning and coordination of the 2012 Conference, in partnership with the Canadian National Research Council and the International IPY Joint Committee.
"The international conference will focus on how knowledge gained through IPY will pave the way to continue to take a strong position in shaping a sustainable development and environmental protection of this strategic and prized region," the minister said
"I hope to see you all at the IPY-conference in Montreal in 2010," he concluded.
Last updated: 09.06.2010
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