Report on the Nineteenth Annual Dialog on Sustainability

Event: Nineteenth Annual Dialog on Sustainability: "Ecosystem Restoration - The Use of Biochar"

Date: Saturday, July 27, 2024

Format: Virtual webinar via Zoom

Host: Consortium for Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability (CESAS) at Kansas State University

The Nineteenth Annual Dialog on Sustainability focused on ecosystem restoration, with a particular emphasis on the role of biochar in improving soil quality, carbon sequestration, and the productive value of brownfields. This year's event aligned with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, highlighting the global imperative to enhance soil health and food production while mitigating climate change.

The dialog commenced with welcoming remarks from Professor Larry Erickson, followed by an introduction to the day's moderator, Donna Schenk. Subsequently, Professor Jojola from the University of New Mexico delivered a keynote address on the significance of the Rio Grande River and the importance of cultural preservation in fostering community development. His presentation emphasized the connection between land, identity, and community well-being.

The technical portion of the event featured presentations on biochar and its applications in ecosystem restoration. Professor Valentina Pidlisnyuk from Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in the Czech Republic shared research findings on biochar-supported phytoremediation, highlighting the potential of this approach in mitigating climate change. Her PhD student, Robert Ato Newton, delved deeper into the impact of biochar on plant bioparameters and phytoremediation, presenting results from their research on Miscanthus.

The presentations continued with Aimerim Manivora's exploration of biochar testing using model organisms and Cuauhtemoc Landores' discussion on the connection between healthy lands and healthy people. The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage with the presenters.

Overall, the Nineteenth Annual Dialog on Sustainability offered valuable insights into the potential of biochar for ecosystem restoration and its contribution to addressing global environmental challenges. The event emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of cultural perspectives in sustainability efforts.

https://engg.k-state.edu/chsr/sustainability/dialogs