Community Engagement for Green Space Protection: Threats and Opportunities

Isabelle Bérubé holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Science. She works for the CPAWS – Quebec Chapter, where she is responsible for the Municipal Biodiversity Fund. 

She is passionate about land use planning, the protection of natural areas and the role they can play in climate change resilience. She is also interested in the impact of mineral extraction required for the energy transition. 

Jean-François Girard is a biologist and a lawyer specializing in environmental and municipal law. Since 2002, he has been practicing with the law firm DHC Avocats, where he offers special expertise to municipalities that wish to meet the challenges of sustainable development and improve the quality of life of their residents. Jean-François Girard was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement (CQDE) from 2002 to 2016, serving as its President from 2003 to 2013. From September 1998 to January 2002, he held the position of Head of Conservation and Biodiversity within the organization. 

He is currently the author and director of the juristic writing called “L’environnement au Québec”. Jean-François Girard also regularly offers conferences and training seminars to elected officials and community groups in the areas of municipal and environmental law. 

Natalie Brown is the Director of Programs at Park People, Canada’s only national non-profit dedicated to urban parks. She leads Park People’s programming team, supporting staff from coast to coast as they work with communities and municipalities to realize the power of Canada’s urban parks.

Prior to this, she served as Park People’s National Network Manager, spearheading the organization’s growth from a local focus on Toronto parks to supporting the urban parks movement across Canada.

She believes that urban parks and green spaces are an under-appreciated and critical element in building equitable and resilient Canadian cities for our shared future.