First awarded 40 years ago, the J.B. Harkin Award honours those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the conservation of Canada’s parks and wilderness.
Often called "the Father of National Parks", J.B. Harkin developed the idea of conservation in Canada at a time when there was little precedent. Harkin created Canada's National Park system, the world's first park service. By establishing standards for their preservation, Harkin created a world class example of land conservation.
Please join us to celebrate conservation excellence at this elegant reception in the Canadian Museum of Nature’s gorgeous Stone Gallery and Theatre. Enjoy cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres as we honour this year’s recipient, Nik Lopoukine, with the prestigious Harkin award medal. More about the award.
Recipient - Nik Lopoukhine
On the 40th anniversary of CPAWS’ Harkin Award, we are pleased to honour Nik Lopoukhine for his lifetime of commitment to promoting scientific discussion and conservation within Parks Canada and for promoting Canadian conservation and park values globally.
Nik started his professional career with the Forest Management Institute and later moved to the Lands Directorate of Environment Canada. He was instrumental in bringing broad ecological thinking to the Government of Canada in the developing field of land mapping of ecosystems. Nik was behind the creation of ecological maps for some of Canada most noted parks including Gatineau and Pukaskwa.
It didn’t take long before Nik was recruited by Parks Canada. In the 1980s he created Parks Canada's fire management program. This policy was the foundation of the modern fire program that ensures healthy ecosystems in today’s national parks. It had impact across Canada, outside national parks and internationally. Nik also played an important role in helping Russia to develop their protected areas program.
In 1999, Nik became the Director of the Resource Conservation Branch (which he renamed the Ecological Integrity Branch) of Parks Canada, and in 2001 he became the Director General of National Parks. Nik was responsible for monitoring the ecological integrity program and the Species at Risk Act, and earned the reputation while with Parks Canada as being a champion of conservation. He was a key supporter and mover of the idea of ecological integrity in the Parks Canada program, of strengthening science, and coming to grips with the emerging challenge of climate change.
Nik is married to Mary Ann and together they have three grown children. Mary Ann has been Nik's constant partner and supporter of his work. He is also a descendant of the famous author Leo Tolstoy.
Reception - February 1st, 2012
- Location:
- Canadian Museum of Nature, Stone Gallery and Theatre (View map)
- Time:
- 7:00pm
Purchase your tickets today to guarantee your place as we honour Nik Lopoukhine, the 2012 J.B. Harkin Award recipient.
Program
This event will be presented in English and in French.
7pm - 8pm
Cocktail reception, silent auction
8pm - 9pm
Award presentation and speech by Nik Lopoukhine
Special audio-visual presentation by Trans CanEAUda
9pm - 9:30pm
Last chance for silent auction
Guest Presenters
Trans CanEAUda
Trans CanEAUda is a group of eight 22 to 24 year olds, based in Ottawa, who set off on an ambitious cross-Canada canoe expedition last spring. The group paddled over 7,000km from Ottawa to Inuvik to raise awareness of watershed conservation. Along their journey they met Canadians from across the country and gained a new perspective on the importance of our wild wilderness. Join us as they share stories and spectacular pictures from their incredible journey. Find out more at the Trans CanEAUda website.
Reserve your seat
- $25 per person
- $15 for students
- Limited seating available.
- Tickets may be purchased at the door (cash only)
Sponsors
Mid-Level Sponsors
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