August 14, 2008
Winner Of New International Water Studies Scholarship Announced At Symposium Hosted By Province Of Manitoba
– – –Contributions of Local Groups Help Make Event Carbon-Neutral: Melnick
The first recipient of the new Minister of Water Stewardship Scholarship for International Studies was announced at the Manitoba – Israel Water Experts Symposium being held in Winnipeg, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick said today.
Bryan Oborne, a University of Manitoba PhD program student, is the first recipient of the scholarship set up to encourage students from Manitoba to gain expertise in Israel that they can bring back and apply for the benefit of all Manitobans. The scholarship is for two years and a total of $50,000.
“Our congratulations go to Bryan Oborne who is an ideal candidate and will use the new scholarship to focus on finding local solutions to water issues,” said Melnick. “He will be able to build upon his work in the PhD program in the Department of Environment and Geography at the University of Manitoba and will focus on finding effective answers to water quality issues by studying Israel’s similar experiences.”
The primary goal of the Manitoba – Israel Water Experts Symposium is to establish long-term working relationships between academics and practitioners dealing with similar water challenges in Manitoba and Israel. It provides an opportunity to exchange information, explore areas of potential co-operation in Manitoba and Israel and find ways to help managers turn sound science into sound management and public policy.
“I am also pleased to announce funding of $100,000 for joint water management projects between Israel and Manitoba,” said Melnick. “Projects will be selected in the next few months, based on ideas developed at the symposium.”
The public portion of the symposium provides an opportunity for other Manitobans in water management to hear presentations from both the Israeli and Manitoban scientists and engage in discussions with the experts.
“I am pleased with the discussions and interaction among the scientists, who really are leaders in their field,” said Mel Lazareck, Manitoba president of the Jewish National Fund, co-host of the symposium. “What is being shown here is that we have much to learn from each other and that we all appreciate the magnitude of water as a global resource.”
As a part of the event, approximately 15,000 trees will be planted throughout the province, ensuring the symposium is carbon neutral. Local community groups will partner in the tree planting initiative including Save our Seine, several of Manitoba’s conservation districts, the Girl Guides of Canada and Scouts Canada.
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