Welcome to Biodiversity Matters!

The Macoun Marsh Project is the concept project from which ‘biodiversitymatters.org’ has evolved. We are located in Ottawa Ontario, and we are a community based initiative comprised of students, teachers and interested, dedicated community members. The site is located in Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery. The marsh can be clearly seen on Google Earth in the south east corner of the cemetery adjacent St. Laurent Boulevard. The project started in earnest some years ago under the direction of Michael Leveille, Science Teacher, at St. Laurent Academy, and has since grown into something extraordinary with world wide reach. Initially, a place where Mike took his students to learn scientific "journaling" and ecology lessons, the concept of the Macoun Marsh Project has since evolved into a community endeavor that celebrates biodiversity, education, youth, and community.

Since its inception in 2007, BiodiversityMatters chooses one Biodiversity Youth Initiative to focus on annually. Last year, we proudly hosted the Second International Youth Symposium for Biodiversity, in Ottawa, Canada.

This year we are supporting the development of a Youth Accord on Biodiversity to be presented at COP 10, in Japan, 2010.

I want to empower my students with a sense of responsibility. Young people need to know that the environmental condition of our planet is not hopeless. We can celebrate one little ecosystem at a time. Wetlands are a key part of our environment, and they are part of what sustainable development is all about. They affect human health, and the overall health of our world. We are proud of what our students are doing.

- Michael LГ©veillГ©, St-Laurent Academy