Uniting perspectives for a holistic assessment of Nature’s Contributions to Life within the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere

As a response to the rapidly increased crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, this research aims to conduct a holistic evaluation of nature’s contributions to life (NCL) within the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere (NEB). By recognizing the limitations and narrow scope of ecosystem services assessments, this research proposes using a Two-Eyed seeing perspective to comprehensively investigate the current and future status of seven targeted NCL categories. These are 1) habitat creation and maintenance, 2) regulation of climate, 3) regulation of freshwater and coastal water (quality, quantity, location and timing), 4) food and feed, 5) supporting identities, 6) learning and inspiration and 7) maintenance of options across the NEB. By ethically engaging both Indigenous and non-indigenous communities, this research seeks to outline the
community-centered understandings and valuations attached to nature’s gifts, outside of monetary valuation. The project also aims to guide future collaborative Two-Eyed conservation management and monitoring practices for Plenty Canada, Brock University and NEB.

Faculty Supervisor:

Liette Vasseur

Student:

Partner:

Plenty Canada

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Agriculture; Arts, entertainment and recreation; Education; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other services (except public administration); Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Brock University

Program:

Accelerate