Vision 2050 Project

International Conservation Models & Regional Conservation Program Analysis for Georgian Bay

Georgian Bay is an ecologically significant coastal region facing increasing pressures from development, climate change, invasive species, and fragmented governance. These challenges parallel those experienced globally in other large coastal systems. To support long-term, evidence-based environmental planning, this project will evaluate successful conservation and coastal-management models from around the world and synthesize lessons that can be adapted to Georgian Bay. Examining established international frameworks such as governance structures, financing tools, and community or Indigenous stewardship approaches will prevent duplication of effort and provide Vision 2050 with tested, scalable strategies tailored to the Bay’s unique socio-ecological context.

In parallel, the project will produce the first consolidated overview of conservation and environmental management initiatives currently active across eastern and northern Georgian Bay. Although many governments, First Nations, conservation authorities, NGOs, and community organizations are undertaking valuable stewardship work, their efforts often operate independently. A coordinated regional understanding is needed to highlight strengths, gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for collaboration.

Using applied research methods, the intern will: conduct an expanded global literature review; identify 8-10 international case studies; perform comparative policy analysis; gather materials from local conservation stakeholders; create a structured and searchable program inventory; and code initiatives thematically to assess their alignment with Vision 2050 priorities. Findings from both workstreams will be synthesized into practical recommendations to support coordinated, long-term conservation planning.

The project will produce four main deliverables:
1. A research and policy paper evaluating international conservation and coastal-management models.
2. A comparative matrix summarizing strengths, weaknesses, and transferable practices.
3. A consolidated inventory of conservation initiatives across eastern and northern Georgian Bay.
4. A strengths-gaps-opportunities analysis and policy brief to inform Vision 2050.

Together, these outputs will equip the Georgian Bay Association with the strategic insight needed to guide region-wide environmental planning and support collaborative, future-focused stewardship.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kate Sherren

Student:

Partner:

Georgian Bay Association

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: