Rotary District 7090 - Southern Ontario & Western New York is happy to announce that The Rotary Foundation has approved a Global Scholarship for Ms. Norievill Espana. The host, the Rotary Club of St. Catherines, and the international partner, the Rotary Club of Buffalo Sunrise, worked together to secure over $42,000 (US) through the Global Scholarship for Norie, using District Designated Funds, Clubs’ donations, and the World Fund.
District Foundation Chair Sandi Chard (l) and ‘22=’23 DG Lisa Bishop (r) congratulate Norie. She will be speaking at the Foundation Celebration on November 12, 2023.
(https://rotary7090.org/event/foundation-celebration-and-district-grant-seminar/), so Save the Date!
So exciting to see what our Rotary Foundation dollars can do locally and around the world!
#tagthespirit.Norie, a student at Brock University, holds a master’s degree in marine science from the University of the Philippines Diliman – Marine Science Institute. Her research interests include the impacts of climate change on coral reefs and coastal (reef-dependent) communities, and an understanding the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) system to improve effectiveness of marine protected areas and networks. Her project will aim to advance effective and equitable coral reef conservation in the Philippines. The research will focus on identifying and evaluating best practices in community engagement and MPA (marine protected area) management, with an emphasis on understanding the role of coastal communities in decision-making and the dynamics toward equitable distribution of benefits.
By highlighting successful models of community-based conservation, this project will contribute to crafting institutional strategies and policies in the Philippines and building sustainable and resilient coral reef systems, while promoting the well-being of communities that rely on them. The research will support the goals of the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (referred to as the 30X30 initiative), a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth's land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.
Overall, this project will generate knowledge and insights that can help advance marine biodiversity conservation in the Philippines and beyond, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable planet.