IMPROVE KNOWLEDGE

Indigenous Peoples have been learning from and living within the land for millennia. They continue to build and accumulate understanding and knowledge of the natural world. Scientific inquiry and study has been ongoing for centuries, and has also helped to build an understanding of biodiversity in Ontario.

While there is still much to learn, improving and bridging the information from both science and traditional knowledge can help us to better understand how the many plants, animals and microorganisms in Ontario contribute to ecological functions and to the health of the environment.

To improve knowledge and understanding we need to:

Improve research and monitoring systems and make sure they reflect traditional and community based knowledge.
Invest in long-term research and monitoring and establish strategic partnerships to address knowledge gaps.
Interpret and share data and information with a wider audience
Communicate information clearly and make it accessible so that we can all use it when making decisions.

This strategic direction includes ways to improve and share biodiversity knowledge, implement monitoring and evaluation, and better understand what motivates individuals and sectors to begin working towards biodiversity conservation.

TARGET

ACTIONS

By 2030, Ontario’s biodiversity research, monitoring and reporting framework is improved, accessible and reflects diverse knowledge systems and perspectives.

Respect, preserve and invest in the knowledge, innovations and practices of Indigenous Peoples to support biodiversity conservation.
Support and expand community-based monitoring and reporting programs relevant to the conservation of biodiversity.
Regularly review and update the status of knowledge about Ontario’s biodiversity.
Continue and improve reporting on the state of Ontario’s biodiversity and biodiversity targets at five-year intervals and share and expand access to biodiversity data and information.
Investigate and support the development of Ontario’s Living Planet Index.

Ethical space in biodiversity conservation

Achieving common ground can be hard when language, power levels, ownership, scale and timeframes differ. An approach that could be helpful in this context is the creation and maintenance of “ethical space” where asymmetrical power is balanced and diverse worldviews are respectfully engaged.

“Ethical space involves creating a place for knowledge systems to interact with mutual respect, kindness, generosity, and other basic values and principles. It is based on the belief that all knowledge systems are equal.” –We Rise Together, Indigenous Circle of Experts

Creating a collaborative space within conservation work can provide new insights and approaches in environmental stewardship and can challenge the prevailing conservation management systems. Unlike Western approaches, which focus mainly on human perspectives, ethical space in conservation can help ensure that the well-being of all creatures is considered.

Let us know what you think!
We’d love to hear from you.

or send us an email at info@ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca