January 10, 2019
Grande-Digue - Citizens and resource persons met on December 4, 2018 at Notre Center de Grande-Digue to contribute to the development of public consultation for a climate change adaptation plan for the Cocagne watershed.
Several citizens attended the consultative meeting, accompanied by representatives of various organizations, for example the LSD Advisory Committee of Grande-Digue, the rural community of Cocagne, the emergency planning committee of Cocagne, the Department of Geography from the Université de Moncton, as well as the natural resources and transportation departments of the Province of New Brunswick. The participants were grouped into small teams, which facilitated discussion and sharing. Using maps illustrating predictions of sea-level rise, participants identified several flood-prone locations and prioritized the most vulnerable locations. These include bridges, wharves and certain roads, as well as septic tanks, buildings and natural marshes.
Participants identified vulnerable people, such as seniors and newcomers. They discussed adaptation strategies, such as preserving the natural coastline, raising bridges, and improving water and food supply sites in an emergency. Finally, participants discussed communication strategies to better inform and engage the general public. The use of traditional media such as radio, newspapers and the community newsletter was mentioned. In order to reach young people, social media like Facebook and Twitter should be used.
The results of the consultative meeting will help guide the public consultation process that will follow in the spring of 2019. The development of a climate change adaptation plan for the Cocagne watershed is made possible through funding from the Trust Fund for environment of New Brunswick..
The PCSDG aims for a holistic and sustainable development of our territory and offers opportunities for citizens to manage their environment. The PCSDG acts as a catalyst for the sustainable development of our community. It puts together programs to improve the quality of the environment and the quality of life for the residents of the Cocagne River Watershed.
More information on the project here.
