Parks Knowledge Mobilization Project

Parks and Knowledge Mobilization Project

Quick Links

CHAMPIONS AND
INNOVATORS

Funded by a SSHRC Partnership Development Grant and led by University of Alberta, this project aims at improving understanding of how different kinds of knowledge, including natural and social sciences, as well as Indigenous and local knowledge, are valued and used to advance protected and conserved area management, planning and policy making. The focus is on knowledge mobilization or “moving knowledge into active service” (SSHRC, 2008). In other words, making research accessible, so that it can be put into practice.

Study Overview

Through a pan-Canadian survey and case studies from across Canada, this research project explores how Canada’s conservation agencies are using “knowledge” to meet national and international commitments, such as Canadian 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets, including:

Goal C. By 2020, Canadians have adequate and relevant information about biodiversity and ecosystem services to support conservation planning and decision-making.

Target 14. By 2020, the science base for biodiversity is enhanced and knowledge of biodiversity is better integrated and more accessible.
Target 15. By 2020, Aboriginal traditional knowledge is respected, promoted and, where made available by Aboriginal peoples, regularly, meaningfully and effectively informing biodiversity conservation and management decision-making.

Project Case Studies

This project incorporates a comparative analysis of knowledge mobilization (KM) in 4 to 6 of Canada. At each site, we can confirm if barriers affecting our case study locations are similar to those previously documented in the literature. To understand how organizations and individuals have overcome those barriers, we will compare how the KM process was used to access and apply new knowledge in park management, and its effectiveness relative to outcomes. Case study sites and focus include: