New Forum Aims to Connect Researchers with Managers of Protected Areas
November 30, 2006
The University of Northern British Columbia will be leading the
first-ever conference of the newly created BC Protected Area Research
Forum, a network which is aiming to connect the managers of protected
areas with researchers. The conference will be held from December 4-6
at Royal Roads University in Victoria.
About 13% of British Columbia’s land base is set aside as parks and protected areas.
“The idea for this forum was hatched just over a year ago. A number of us – managers, researchers, community members, etc – recognized the value of connecting research to various on-the-ground issues confronting our parks and protected areas,” says UNBC professor Pam Wright, a co-founder of the research forum and Chair of the inaugural conference. “For this conference, we were expecting up to 80 delegates. In fact, we’ve doubled that and are now at capacity. Delegates are coming from throughout BC and from the United States, Alberta, Manitoba, and the Territories.”
The conference will include sessions on a number of topics that will bring together biological scientists, social scientists, First Nations, park managers, and others around a common issue. Examples include cougar-human interactions, marine protected areas, glaciers and climate change, monitoring visitor use, human-wildlife interactions and species at risk, and integrating cultural and historical research into protected area management.
About 13% of British Columbia’s land base is set aside as parks and protected areas.
“The idea for this forum was hatched just over a year ago. A number of us – managers, researchers, community members, etc – recognized the value of connecting research to various on-the-ground issues confronting our parks and protected areas,” says UNBC professor Pam Wright, a co-founder of the research forum and Chair of the inaugural conference. “For this conference, we were expecting up to 80 delegates. In fact, we’ve doubled that and are now at capacity. Delegates are coming from throughout BC and from the United States, Alberta, Manitoba, and the Territories.”
The conference will include sessions on a number of topics that will bring together biological scientists, social scientists, First Nations, park managers, and others around a common issue. Examples include cougar-human interactions, marine protected areas, glaciers and climate change, monitoring visitor use, human-wildlife interactions and species at risk, and integrating cultural and historical research into protected area management.
Access the conference schedule by clicking here.
“Our natural landscapes and protected areas have shaped the global image of BC and Canada,” says Dr. Wright, who specializes in Protected Areas Planning and Management. “But they’re more than pretty places. They are reservoirs of life – both marine and terrestrial – and they support an outdoor lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.”
It’s expected that the BC Protected Area Research Forum conference will become an annual event, hosted in different areas around the province. The 2006 conference is sponsored by the BC Ministry of Environment, Parks Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Capital Regional District, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Royal Roads University, and UNBC.
Contact:
Pam Wright, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management program, UNBC – 250.960-6353
***From December 4-6, Pam can be reached at 250.961.4861
or Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622
“Our natural landscapes and protected areas have shaped the global image of BC and Canada,” says Dr. Wright, who specializes in Protected Areas Planning and Management. “But they’re more than pretty places. They are reservoirs of life – both marine and terrestrial – and they support an outdoor lifestyle for residents and visitors alike.”
It’s expected that the BC Protected Area Research Forum conference will become an annual event, hosted in different areas around the province. The 2006 conference is sponsored by the BC Ministry of Environment, Parks Canada, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Capital Regional District, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Royal Roads University, and UNBC.
Contact:
Pam Wright, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management program, UNBC – 250.960-6353
***From December 4-6, Pam can be reached at 250.961.4861
or Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622
