Mosaic’s David Beleznay is a Climate Change Innovator

David Beleznay’s dual credentials as a Registered Professional Forester and Professional Engineer certainly helped his eligibility for the Forest Professionals BC’s (FPBC) 2023 Climate Change Innovator Award, an honour David received at FPBC’s annual ceremony in Kelowna earlier this month.

Mosaic’s David Beleznay was honoured with Forest Professionals BC’s 2023 Climate Change Innovator Award

But it’s the long list of accomplishments David has spearheaded that solidified his status as a worthy award recipient in the field of climate change research, projects like overseeing a network of 36-satellite-linked weather stations to improve stewardship of Mosaic Forest Management’s (Mosaic) managed forest lands, or leading Mosaic’s Climate Solutions Team for net-zero by 2035. David also laid the groundwork for Mosaic’s BigCoast Forest Climate Initiative (BigCoast Forest) launched in March 2022 to help companies reach their carbon footprint goals faster. 

David grew up in a family of forest workers. He earned his stripes at several Vancouver Island companies while completing his degree at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry in 2006.

“My family’s forestry roots started with my great, great Grandpa in a mill in the Comox Valley,” said David. “He got his start in the same area I now get to support the management of the fourth generation of forests. Today, David leads Mosaic’s watershed and terrain group as Director of Climate and Watershed.

David’s colleague, Domenico Iannidinardo, Mosaic Forest Management’s SVP Corporate Engagement and Chief Development Officer, describes David as a diligent, determined, and collaborative forester. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with David as he evolves ideas into results that are good for Mosaic and the planet,” said Domenico.

David was gracious in receiving this year’s Climate Change Innovator Award. “It is humbling to receive this accolade in this community of dedicated professionals committed to climate action,” said David. “The forests are borrowed from my children, and it is a great challenge for us all to reduce our emissions and ensure a resilient forest that can sustain the climate our future foresters will be living in."

FPBC is responsible for registering and regulating BC’s professional foresters and forest technologists. The Climate Change Innovator Award was created in 2013 to “identify practical innovators and promote excellence in professional practice, in light of changing climate and the corresponding effects on forest ecosystems.”

Visit MosaicForests.com/toward-a-low-carbon-economy to learn more about how forests play a key role in the fight against climate change.