Linking the socio-ecological services of Nature Preserves for Urban Park Management

The research project’s goal is to quantify the societal services that nature preserves provide relative to biological richness. In other terms, the value of a historically biodiverse green space in a city compared to a standard novel green space to people (Indigenous and non-Indigenous). The preserve in my study encompasses endangered grassland habitat (Garry Oak Ecosystem, one of the most threatened ecosystems in Canada). This ecosystem is also deeply rooted in cultural practices for managing the land. Swan Lake is adjusting and adapting its modern-day management; thus, the value of my research would be helping make informed decisions from a combined social and ecological context. This work would contribute to their “Deliverable 3: offer high-level suggestions for creating an impact and accountability framework for reconciliation”. It is exciting to me to consider how an accountability framework and urban reference system can be used together to manage green spaces in cities. Urban parks are fundamental for populations and especially Indigenous people who have historic relationships with the land. Therefore, studying them together as a socio-ecological comparison will be a valuable tool not only for this specific nature preserve, but any urban parks that aim to increase their impact.

Faculty Supervisor:

Obiora Ezeudu;Thomas Froese

Student:

Partner:

Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: