Panelists: Iain Davidson-Hunt Ph.D., RPP, Professor at the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Manitoba, Nik Lopoukhine Former Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Commission on Protected Areas, B.Sc., M.Sc, Suzanne Hall Tourism Coordinator, Destination Deliné, BSW, Douglas Neasloss Resource Stewardship Director, Council Coastal First Nations Great Bear Initiative (BC), Bill Kendrick- Special Projects Coordinator, Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Land and Resources Branch & Bill Trerice – Traditional Economy Specialist.
Facilitator: Claudia Haas - Government of the Northwest Territories, Environment and Natural Resources
Description: It is envisioned that a Conservation Economy strives to support vibrant, sustainable, healthy communities through promoting the economic potential inherent in indigenous ways of life.
It can also support a variety of recreational opportunities and may champion the continued subsistence activities of local residents. The development of such an economy takes time and commitment, but once established can persist over the long-term. A Conservation Economy is meant to be complementary with other economic interests, as part of a larger array of regional economic potential.
This panel discussion explored the practical experiences and theoretical perspectives behind creating a Conservation Economy and how that may be integrated within a broader land use planning and protected areas planning regime in the North. The concept has yet to be clearly defined in a Northern context; therefore, session participants will be engaged in a dialog intended to envision a Northern Conservation Economy, by exploring best practice examples from other jurisdictions focusing on their key objectives, principles, economic opportunities, and the collaborative interdisciplinary approaches used to meet objectives. Examples of what has worked (and not worked) in other jurisdictions were introduced and how they can be best adapted and applied in the North was the topic of discussion.
Speakers include a panel of Northern and National practitioners and researchers working in the field of Conservation Planning, Protected Areas, Community Development and Tourism.