Think Global, Map Local

The global green map system is a social and environmental movement allowing communities to map and create sustainable futures using a universal system of icons. The Green Map® System began in 1995 and has spread to over 600 cities, towns and villages in 55 countries. Next week, the University of Victoria is welcoming the founder and leader of this worldwide movement (GreenMap.org), to campus. Wendy Brawer, based in New York and creator of the first Green Apple Map of NYC, has supported impassioned participation in the collaborative worldwide effort, including from Victoria, and Brawer will now bring her experience to Victoria to support and help set direction for green mapping in our region.
       For several years, UVic mapping experts and community researchers have been working closely with local governments to develop a network of green maps (e.g., Victoria West, District of Highlands, Shelbourne Corridor, Oak Bay and CRD), and numerous printed and interactive green maps now highlight and link local nature, culture and green living resources in the region.
       UVic’s Office of Community-Based Research has played a key collaborative role in the local green mapping effort and is sponsoring the Wed., March 16 event which takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in room B150 of UVic’s Bob Wright Centre. It is co-sponsored by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Geography, UVic Campus Planning and Sustainability, and Common Ground Mapping.

Media advisory: Wendy Brawer arrives in Victoria on Tues., March 15, and is available for interviews between 2 and 5 p.m. that day and the following morning.

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