• 8.45

Opening remarks by Nicole Fenton, Institutional Chair in Northern Biodiversity in a Mining Context (BCM)

• 9.00 - Keynote Speaker

Nicole Balliston - Université de Waterloo

• 9.30 - Partner presentation

Patrick Lavoie - Eldorado Gold

 

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• 9.45 - Collaborator presentation

Christine Martineau - NRCAN

• 10.05 - Student presentation

Maxime Thomas

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• 11.45 - Student presentation

Diary Orimbato Rabearimanana

• 11.05 - Student presentation

 Nesrine Tlili

• 11.15 - Student presentation

Max Lakanen

• 11.35 - Student presentation

Clarisse Fisset

• 11.45 - Partner presentation

Frédérick Poisson - Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs

• 1.00 - Student presentation

Joël Masimo Kabuanga

• 1.40 - Student presentation

Angana Kuri

Over decades, the landscape in the region of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada, has undergone severe environmental degradation characterized by soil acidification, heavy metal contamination, vegetation loss, and reduced biodiversity. This degradation spans several kilometers around the Horne Smelter and is mainly caused by the emission of sulphur dioxide gas and pollutants from the Horne Smelter. Research conducted around other smelters indicates that the direct release of sulphur dioxide gas into the atmosphere and subsequent acid rain and soil acidification results in soil degradation and biodiversity loss in the surrounding ecosystems.  Despite the probability that these impacts also exist around the Horne smelter of Rouyn-Noranda, there is limited research on how emissions affect the diversity of the vegetation and carbon dynamics. In order to fill this research gap, this study will specifically focus on rock outcrops and evaluate the condition of the vegetation by assessing plant species abundance, community richness and composition, and carbon content. Sampling was carried out along distance gradients and in various cardinal directions from the smelter to evaluate spatial variation in species diversity and biomass in relation to pollution exposure. We anticipate a reduction in species diversity and biomass close to the smelter. Species composition may shift, favouring more pollution-tolerant species nearer to the smelter, while more sensitive species are anticipated to be located at greater distances. We will employ multivariate statistical analyses to visualize patterns and shifts in plant species composition in relation to distance from the smelter and cardinal directions. The comprehensive findings from this study will provide insights for future restoration projects and enhance our understanding of environmental resilience in regions close to smelting activities.

• 1.50 - Student presentation

Elsa Dejoie

• 2.00 - Student presentation

Marie Ruel

• 14.20 - Student presentation

Sudha Ghimire

• 14.40 - Student presentation

Laima Liulevicius

Part I: Story Map I – The Creation of MERIP

We begin by reviewing the first storyboard, which narrates the genesis and purpose of the MERIP initiative. Rooted in both scientific inquiry and Indigenous worldviews, MERIP was designed not only as an environmental monitoring tool but also as an epistemological space where Cree and Abitibiwinni perspectives on land, life, and responsibility are centered.

This section reflects on the co-creation process—the integration of Species Distribution Models with oral histories, treaties such as the Paix des Braves Agreement, and community interviews. It situates MERIP as more than a technical product: it is an evolving expression of inter-relationality between people and land, grounded in relational ontologies and a commitment to ethical collaboration.

• Workshop start at 15:30:00

Part II: Story Map II – The Dashboard and Its Purpose

The second storyboard transitions into the technical and analytical dimensions of the MERIP Dashboard. Here, participants are introduced to the structure, logic, and functionality of the dashboard: what it is, what it visualizes, and how it can be used.

We discuss the core components—Cultural Keystone Species indicators, normalized indices of species richness and soil carbon, spatial analysis tools—and how they respond dynamically to user interaction. Attention is given to the design philosophy, which aims to make complex spatial data accessible to a range of users, including policymakers, community members, and researchers.

This portion will also explain limitations and ongoing design challenges, such as issues of scale, resolution, and user accessibility.

• Workshop start at 16:00:00

Part III: Interactive Session – Engaging with the Dashboard

In the final part of the workshop, participants will be invited to explore the MERIP Dashboard directly. After a brief demonstration of key features—such as selecting polygons, measuring distances, reading indicator gauges, and toggling layers—attendees will have time to navigate the tool independently.

This is an opportunity to test hypotheses, explore familiar or significant territories, and reflect on how ecological values are represented spatially and visually. The session will remain open for questions, collective interpretation, and discussion about how such tools can be meaningfully used in participatory planning, research, and community advocacy.

• Workshop start at 16:30:00