EES3005H: Community-Engaged Biodiversity Conservation: Co-Creating Biodiverse Spaces

Biodiversity loss has reached alarming levels, with ecosystems worldwide experiencing rapid degradation. To reduce, halt, and reverse this loss, we must address its root causes. This project focuses on human-biodiversity conflicts surrounding national parks in Uganda, where vulnerable communities depend on nature for their livelihoods. By engaging directly with community, we will identify the socio-economic and ecological drivers of biodiversity loss and co-develop strategies for conservation that align with community needs. A key output will be the co-creation of a demonstration project, where students and community members collaboratively design and implement a biodiverse space that enhances local biodiversity while improving community health and well-being. This initiative will serve as a living model for sustainable conservation, integrating local knowledge with scientific approaches. Ultimately, the project will generate innovative, community-driven frameworks for establishing and maintaining biodiverse spaces, ensuring conservation efforts are both effective and socially inclusive.

0.50
Scarborough
In Class