The next generation of sustainability leaders will benefit from a newly established partnership between a consortium of post-secondary institutions known as the EaRTH District and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The EaRTH District and TRCA on May 2 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide for collaboration opportunities such as guest lectures by TRCA experts, joint research and student internships.

EaRTH District brings an education lens to the collaboration as it is a consortium of five Ontario post-secondary institutions, including Centennial College, Fleming College, Ontario Tech University, Trent University, and University of Toronto Scarborough. TRCA contributes its longstanding history and commitment to conservation, restoration, and responsible management of Ontario’s water, land, and natural habitats.

In addition to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will drive sustainability across various sectors, the collaboration focuses on leveraging innovative technologies to develop clean, green, and thriving communities within the GTA and beyond.

The MOU will enhance environmental protection and sustainability efforts by pledging the partners to:

• Cooperate concerning student internships and experiential learning opportunities from one or more of the EaRTH District Collaborators;
• Share opportunities for using TRCA experts and expertise in climate resilience solutions, for instance, conservation-related lectures in courses and assisting students’ committees in their technical challenges;
• Jointly engage with applicable stakeholders where beneficial to the Parties, including collaboration related to curriculum and programming, joint research, and potential grants;
• Provide opportunities to implement restoration, low impact development, and corporate sustainability projects;
• Utilize TRCA or EaRTH District member sites for aligned activities, such as research or programming.

The impact of the partnership was on display following the MOU signing, with EaRTH District and TRCA Partners in Project Green collaborating on the Decarbonizing Buildings: What is Holding Us Back? event. The event brought together academic and industry leaders and innovators to tackle the biggest challenges in building decarbonization.

Quotes

Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent University

"Joining forces with TRCA through this agreement allows the EaRTH District to expand our impact by connecting students with hands-on conservation experiences while creating pathways to green careers. At a time when climate disruption is reshaping our communities, joining together is essential for turning knowledge into action and equipping the next generation to lead meaningful, sustainable change.”

Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

“I want to congratulate TRCA and EaRTH District colleges and universities on this exciting partnership that will help drive the adoption of cleantech and sustainable solutions as well as other innovations to protect our environment. By bringing together the resources and expertise of the TRCA with the young environmental leaders of tomorrow, initiatives like this one are helping to build stronger, more sustainable communities for future generations.”

Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College

“Signing an MOU with TRCA, a leader in conserving, restoring and managing natural resources, not only creates a whole host of new learning, applied research and work opportunities for our students, it also strengthens the EaRTH District’s own efforts to shape resilient, inclusive, and intelligent urban ecosystems. Together, EaRTH District and TRCA will go well beyond the teaching of sustainability — to living it, building it, and, ultimately, making it a central pillar of the communities we call home.”

John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

“TRCA is thrilled to enter this MOU with EaRTH District partners. This partnership leverages the complementary expertise of each of our organizations, and will help move forward our shared commitment to training the next generation of environmental professionals and accelerating the adoption of clean and sustainable technologies.”