Knowledge Systems
The NWT Protected Areas Strategy (PAS) process relies on traditional knowledge (TK) and conservation science. Both knowledge systems are concerned with the well being of nature, and how to take care of the land that takes care of us. Using both systems produces a stronger understanding of the needs of the natural world and our place within it.
Traditional knowledge
Northern Aboriginal peoples have developed a strong knowledge base related to weather, hunting and travel, and the natural world. This detailed information is often the best and only local-scale knowledge on long-term human-environment interactions. In some cases, the communities consider their traditional knowledge to be proprietary, and have concerns about how it may be used. For more on how traditional knowledge and science work together in the PAS, please see Traditional Knowledge and Conservation Science.
Conservation science
Conservation scientists use scientific methods to identify, maintain, and protect the biological and genetic diversity of animals and plants, called “biodiversity”, and to study threats to it. Conservation science contributes knowledge on how to protect the land necessary for securing the full variety of life in a given region. It also informs management and monitoring systems that allow conservation scientists to evaluate how well protected areas are maintaining their cultural and ecological values. Conservation science looks at ways to continually improve protection of these values.
Why use conservation science?
Successful large-scale conservation planning requires a systematic approach to meet broad goals, such as maintaining biological diversity and the persistence of native species and ecological processes. Systematic conservation planning means developing and following transparent science-based methods. It is based on ecological principles, relies on peer-reviewed methods, and is driven by data and expert knowledge. Experience around the world has demonstrated that systematic conservation planning approaches are more effective at conserving biodiversity than site-by-site approaches.
Systematic conservation planning typically includes four complementary types of information:
- Coarse filter ecological representation analyses (terrestrial and freshwater);
- Fine filter analyses targeting special features (unique, rare, or sensitive features);
- Focal species analyses, identifying high-value habitats for important wildlife species; and
- Consideration of ecosystem processes and connectivity.
The PAS Science Team
The PAS Science Team is a multi-partner group that provides expertise and advice on ecological principles, conservation science and methodologies. The Team also performs scientific analyses of proposed protected areas and land use plans, in support of the goals of the NWT PAS.
The PAS Science Team has adapted the four main types of information (above) for conservation science analyses in the NWT. As with many conservation organizations and government planning agencies around the world, the PAS Science Team is combining analyses of these information types to represent the biodiversity of a region.
Related Links
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Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (CCEA)
News and links about protecting Canadian ecology. -
Convention on Biological Diversity
International convention for the conservation and sustainable and equitable use of biological diversity - Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI)
CBI brings together diverse partners to create new solutions for boreal forest conservation. - International Boreal Conservation Campaign (IBCC)
IBCC is dedicated to public education and advocacy on behalf of protection of the world's boreal forests, with a special focus on the Canadian boreal forest. - The Conservation Biology Institute
The Institute provides scientific expertise to support the conservation and recovery of biological diversity in its natural state through applied research, education, planning, and community service.
