Other Parks Related Research Networks
Beyond CPCIL, there are several noteworthy research networks conducting studies, initiating conversation and tackling projects related to themes such as conservation, science, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in parks. We believe their work provides ample opportunities for park leaders, researchers and academics to expand their knowledge and improve management practices in parks.
Partners of CPCIL Networks
Conservation Through Reconciliation
CPCIL is a co-applicant on the Conservation Through Reconciliation Partnership, a seven-year initiative that is funded by SSHRC that aims to critically investigate the state of conservation practice in Canada and support efforts to advance Indigenous-led conservation in the spirit of reconciliation and decolonization. The project is establishing a Canada-wide network to catalyze communication, coordination and reciprocal knowledge sharing amongst diverse partners, including Indigenous communities and environmental organizations working to support Indigenous-led conservation.
The role of CPCIL focuses on knowledge mobilization incorporating Indigenous perspectives in existing parks, and leadership development in ethical space.
ParkSeek Public Health Impacts Project
The overarching goal of the ParkSeek project is to build a platform for Canadian-specific research and practice related to the interconnections between population health and parks and recreational facilities. These spaces and places are critical elements of the built and natural environment known to support health and wellbeing. Using these tools, changes can be observed in the built and natural environment features, population-level perceptions, and public use of parks and recreational facilities over time.
Other Networks
ArcticNet
“ArcticNet is a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada that brings together scientists and managers in the natural, human health and social sciences with their partners from Inuit organizations, northern communities, federal and provincial agencies and the private sector. The objective of ArcticNet is to study the impacts of climate change and modernization in the coastal Canadian Arctic. Over 176 ArcticNet researchers and 1000 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, technicians and other specialists from 40 Canadian universities, and 20 federal and provincial agencies and departments collaborate with more than 150 partner organizations in 14 countries.”
British Columbia Parks and Protected Areas Research Forum (BCPARF)
“Prior to 2006, initiatives to link researchers with PPA management lacked regional focus and did not facilitate ongoing communication between stakeholders. As a result, there was a need for a mechanism to facilitate collaboration between research and management initiatives.”
“The goal of the forum is not to conduct research itself but to facilitate research and its application to parks and protected areas management.”
Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (CCEA)
“Through open sharing of information, the CCEA aims to foster networking, partnering and excellence in the management of our protected areas.”
Canadian Healthy Oceans Network
“The NSERC CHONe II Strategic Research Program is developing new conservation strategies for Canada’s changing oceans by partnering Canadian university researchers and government scientists. Major funding is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in partnership with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and other government agencies; INREST (representing the Port of Sept-Îles and City of Sept-Îles); and ENGOs.
CHONe brings together 39 researchers from 11 universities, one community college, and multiple federal research labs from coast to coast in Canada.”
Centre Of Applied Science In Ontario Protected Areas (CASIOPA)
“We are the Centre for Applied Science in Ontario Protected Areas (CASIOPA). CASIOPA, through the University of Waterloo, is a consortium of government, academic, indigenous communities, conservation and environmental non-government organizations, research organizations and professionals who are dedicated to research, shared knowledge, and applied science in Ontario’s protected areas.
We promote science and evidence based policy, planning and management of Ontario’s protected areas. We provide collaboration and networking opportunities by hosting an annual conference and other events.
CASIOPA’s focus is on science in a broad sense – natural, physical, and social. In includes the synthesis, analysis, and presentation of current research.”
Canadian Mountain Network (CMN)
“The Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) was established in 2019 to support the resilience and health of Canada’s mountain peoples and places through research partnerships based on Indigenous and Western ways of knowing that inform decision-making and action.
CMN is generously supported by Canada’s research granting agencies through a five-year, $18.3 million grant from the Networks of Centres of Excellence program. Combined with contributions from diverse partner organizations, this funding represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to position Canada as a global leader in mountain systems research at a time when Canada’s mountain systems are undergoing rapid and uncertain change.”
George Wright Society
“The George Wright Society champions stewardship of parks, protected areas, and cultural sites by connecting people, places, knowledge, and ideas. We are the only place-based conservation organization that is designed to be interdisciplinary from the ground up. By uniting people from many different backgrounds around a common passion for protecting Earth’s natural and cultural heritage, we create the collaboration needed to meet today’s greatest conservation challenges.”
Of note, the George Wright Society publishes the open-access “Park Stewardship Forum” journal.
Submit a Network
Are you part of – or aware of – a research network conducting work related parks and protected areas that could be added to this network page?
We would like to hear from you. Please contact us and include a link to the source to have it featured.