Navigating Different Natures: The Governance of National Parks in Canada

Amid the biodiversity crisis, questions of nature conservation, equitable access, and financing are critical for protected area governance. This research explores Canada's national park system — the world's best-funded — to analyze how Parks Canada balances scientific, economic, and social priorities.

Through document analysis and 54 interviews with officials from the national office and two case studies, the study first examines ecological restoration as producing "another nature" under scientific management.

Second, while visitation and tourism are key political strategies, they do not finance conservation.

Third, the study explores inclusion approaches, highlighting gaps in accommodating diverse social perspectives on nature. Findings stress the need for conservation strategies that integrate scientific, economic, and social dimensions, offering insights into reimagining human-nature relationships amid ecological uncertainty.

This talk is part of the GPE Brown Bag Seminar Series. All welcome.