A New Way Forward: Using Biocultural Approaches to Conservation in Key Biodiversity

Canada is a signatory to global conservation agreements to increase the number and coverage of protected areas in the country. Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are a science-based planning tool that can help governments, industry, environmental groups and Indigenous Nations target the right places to protect in terms of habitat for wildlife and to ensure these areas are connected on the landscape. The proposed research will expand on the concept of KBA’s by integrating Indigenous bio-cultural information, such as traditional knowledge on cultural keystones or culturally-significant species like caribou, salmon and wild berries, to help identify and prioritize candidate protected areas with local Indigenous Nations. The intern will work with WCS Canada and Indigenous partner communities to develop a framework for incorporating biocultural information into KBA planning to identify potential areas that should be protected for their ecological and cultural significance.

Faculty Supervisor:

Faisal Moola

Student:

Jeff Wall

Partner:

Wildlife Conservation Society Canada

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Guelph