Monitoring biocultural diversity in the Foothills and Rocky Mountains of Alberta

This project is focused on investigating the necessary methods and tools required to monitor and restore biocultural diversity in the Central Foothills and Rocky Mountains of Alberta. Current biodiversity monitoring is primarily focused on study design and methods that draw from ecological research principles. There is, however, growing recognition of the value and importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge in the monitoring and restoration of biodiversity including recent evidence that 80% of the world’s biodiversity exists on the 20% of lands that Indigenous peoples manage. This study will take a community-engaged, place-based approach to explore how biodiversity study design is impacted by foregrounding Indigenous place-based knowledge, practices and ethical protocols.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kim TallBear;Brenda Parlee

Student:

Partner:

Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

McGill University; University of Alberta

Program: