Communities of Environmental Knowledge

Community support and involvement are crucial to the success of environmental action; diversity of both knowledge and experience are central to achieving effective and equitable change. This research café brings together four panel members whose work focuses on a range of environmental issues within a civic context and in creative collaboration with community organisations or groups, including: equal access to green space, promoting biodiversity in inner city Manchester, inclusive environmental knowledge, and imagining a botanical garden for the twenty-first century. Each will speak briefly about what 'communities of knowledge’ means to them and their projects; this will be followed by a panel discussion, which welcomes contributions from all attendees.

Agenda:

12 - 12:40pm - Lunch and networking

12:40 - 1:15pm - Presentations from speakers Saima Ansari, David Bailey, Giles Johnson and Lucy Stowell-Smith

1:15 - 1:35pm - Pannel discussion led by Anke Bernau

1:35 - 2pm - Audience Q+A

2pm - Event end

Panellists:

Chair: Anke Bernau (Lead for ‘Civic and Creative Futures’, Creative Manchester)

Dr Saima Ansari is a Research Associate on the Towards Inclusive Environmental Sustainability (TIES) project at the Sustainable Consumption Institute, University of Manchester. Her work explores how migrant and faith-based communities engage with environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on Muslim-led communities in Manchester. Building on the TIES research, she investigates the sustainability practices and perspectives of Somali and Pakistani migrant households and leads civic engagement work through the Green Roots, Global Voices project, which seeks to advance a more inclusive and community-centred green agenda.

David Bailey is Lecturer in Portuguese Cultural Studies at the University of Manchester. His recent research examines the role of informal recycling and waste management in African cultures. He also works closely with community group Friends of the Medlock Valley, based in Beswick, Manchester. Their Humanities-funded project last year brought together students, scholars and local communities to help improve one of the city’s most important nature spaces. It won a Better World award from the Faculty of Science and Engineering and has been shortlisted for a Making a Difference Award this year.

Giles Johnson is professor of environmental plant physiology, in the School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on how plant growth is impacted by environmental stress, including looking at extremes of temperature, water and light, especially in naturally fluctuating conditions. He is also academic director of the University Botanical Grounds, home to an extensive living plant collection which is used for research, teaching, well-being and inspiring the community.

Lucy Stowell-Smith leads the Urban Nature team at Groundwork Greater Manchester, a charity with a mission to create thriving nature rich urban environments, co-created with communities & cared for in the long term. With over 20 years’ experience in landscape design, park management, and community engagement, including senior roles at the City of London Corporation, Lucy brings a deep passion for plants, people, and place-making. Lucy has recently led the launch of Groundwork’s Community-Led Nature Stewardship Package which supports communities to take the lead in creating, restoring and caring for their local green and blue spaces, in alignment with the GMCA’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Lunch will be provided for all attendees, with plant-based options available.

Accessibility

If you have particular access or dietary needs, please let us know in advance by providing details when registering for your ticket or by emailing [email protected]

About Creative Manchester

Creative Manchester is an interdisciplinary research platform based at The University of Manchester. The platform champions research in creativity and creative practice, bringing together research communities with external stakeholders to explore new research areas and address strategic opportunities. Please visit the website for more information: Creative Manchester.

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