I am working in a chemical company in Belgium called Solvay as a Sustainability Procurement Analyst. I have been working on several projects including the “One Project One Buyer” initiative. This project aims to reduce the CO2 emissions of our company by fostering sustainable practices across the supply chain, particularly targeting scope 3 emissions. My role involves scaling up the program to ensure that over 50% of buyers are engaged with at least one sustainability project. This includes meeting with buyers to gather project information, updating progress-tracking excel sheets, and assisting in identifying new sustainability projects. I also proactively engage buyers who do not yet have a project, encouraging and guiding them to implement sustainable initiatives.
Additionally, my responsibilities extend to requesting Corrective Action Plans (CAP) through the EcoVadis platform for suppliers, where I contact them to improve their sustainability scores, focusing on areas such as Environment and Labour and Human Rights. Finally, I have led initiatives within my team to promote sustainability in the workplace. For example, I am working on putting in place sustainability contests to inspire eco-friendly actions among explores.
This co-op term has been incredibly rewarding, providing me with valuable insight into sustainable practices, how to work in a professional setting and the importance of a supportive work environment. I strongly recommend joining the co-op program as it offers practical experience, professional growth, and a deeper commitment to future career goals.
Meet Superblack Wood Philip Evans, senior author on the study and professor of forestry at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver comments on Superblack Wood. Ambrook
How harvesting small trees could create a future for B.C. forestry A pilot program to train forestry workers on harvester and forwarder machines is being developed, along with a program to teach aspiring foresters about techniques like thinning. The Tyee
Safeguarding natural areas can protect cities from flooding, Canadian study finds Professor Dr. Matthew Mitchell of the faculties of forestry and land and food systems described research that found preserving watersheds can significantly protect homes and livelihoods. EcoWatch UBC News coverage
Protecting nature can safeguard cities from floods A new study led by Dr. Matthew Mitchell of the faculty of forestry and the faculty of land and food systems found that preserving watersheds can significantly protect homes and livelihoods. Scientific Enquirer, Todays Chronic, Techcratic UBC News coverage
Silent trails deepen connection to nature, UBC research suggests Forestry PhD candidate Tara Brown described her research into the benefits of walking in silence in a forest. Global UBC News coverage
‘The land is tearing itself apart’: life on a collapsing Arctic isle Forestry professor Dr. Isla Myers-Smith discussed leading a study researching the effects of climate change on the tundra in Qikiqtaruk (also known as Herschel Island). The Guardian via AOL UK, Yahoo Canada
As Japan sends a wooden satellite into space, experts say astronauts could one day live in wooden structures Stavros Avramidis, head of UBC’s Wood Science department, advocates for using wood in long-term habitation structures. CBC
Harnessing Canada’s forests for sustainable housing and renewable energy Forestry professor of biofuels and bioenergy, Jack Saddler highlights biomass energy’s potential and the need for tax incentives to support its adoption. The Globe and Mail
Opinion: Biomass energy is a growing threat for climate, forests and B.C.’s value-added industry Dr. Suzanne Simard, a professor in the department of forest and conservation sciences, explained why biomass pellets are not as green and climate-friendly as believed. Vancouver Sun
Peter Wohlleben, the world’s most famous forester: “In cities, trees are treated like street furniture” UBC Forestry professor Suzanne Simard’s pioneering research on the ‘woodwide web’—a vast network of tree roots and mycelium that enables trees to exchange nutrients and signals—gained widespread recognition through Peter Wohlleben’s acclaimed book. El País
FOREST INK: New forestry model needed for northern B.C. communities Harry Nelson, UBC Forestry professor, shares insights on the changing dynamics of northern B.C.’s forestry industry and the potential for smaller mills to support local businesses and international markets. Williams Lake Tribune
Jeff Kerby maps extraordinary life at extremes Forestry professor Isla Myers-Smith and team worked with scientists and a Brazilian perfumer to recreate the earthy scent of thawing permafrost using geosmin for an immersive experience. National Geographic
On June 3rd, 2022, the day after graduating with a BSc in Forestry from UBC, I packed my car and made the move to Lillooet, BC, where I began my role as an Environmental Technician with St’át’imc Government Services (SGS). In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredible people and contribute to a variety of impactful projects for the Nation. From using eDNA to conduct presence/absence studies on white sturgeon in Seton and Anderson watersheds, engaging in wildfire recovery efforts throughout the Northern St’át’imc territory, and monitoring bighorn sheep and elk in both northern and southern communities. The diversity of projects I’ve been involved in has provided me with invaluable experience and insights.
It was during my time at SGS that I met Dr. Jennifer Grenz, who ultimately led me to pursue my MSc in the Indigenous Ecology Lab, within the Faculty of Forestry, in September 2023. Although returning to graduate school so soon wasn’t part of my original plan, the connections and relationships I built during my first year in Lillooet deepened my commitment to serving these communities. Both Dr. Grenz’s and SGS’ support in allowing me to continue to live in Lillooet and pursue graduate studies while working within St’at’imc has been instrumental in my decision to embark on this path.
My research focuses on centering St’át’imc worldview, knowledges, values, and needs to inform the stewardship of mule deer and their habitats in the aftermath of wildfires, while also addressing the sustenance needs of St’át’imc. My data collection so far has involved meaningful conversations with community hunters, land guardians, elders, and knowledge keepers, shared during time spent on the land, along with pick-up truck rides, laughter, and good food. I’ve also received an award from the Faculty of Forestry Indigenous and Community Engagement Research Fund (ICERF) to help fund and host community workshops and dinners where youth and elders have been brought together to share stories and pass on knowledge within communities over food in community settings.
Every day, I feel deeply grateful to live, work, and study in St’át’imc territory, and I hope my graduate studies can give back even a fraction of what the St’át’imc Nation has generously shared with me.
“When I first came to UBC, I began my journey in the School of Kinesiology where I had aspirations for a career in Physical Therapy or medical school. Coming from a background of science in high school and a large involvement in sports, I felt a great pressure from peers to pursue this path as they too were hoping to achieve this, and I got caught up in other people’s goals instead of my own.
My passion for helping others truly informed my decision to study Kinesiology, but my idea of how we could “help others” was limited by a narrow perspective of what health is. It wasn’t until I took an elective course at UBC, Climate Change and Health, that I realized core aspects to the determinants of human health begin from one’s environment. Whether that is access to clean water, sufficient food sources, or breathing unpolluted air, it goes without saying that human health is planetary health. After this realization, I found it difficult to imagine myself doing anything else and is when I began to research other programs at UBC that would align more with my interests.
Landing on the Faculty of Forestry and being able to meet with the program directors, I was immediately pulled in by the central values and goals of the faculty, as there is an understanding that if we want to help our planet, it begins by uniting students together in the classroom. The range of experiences and skills gained within the classroom are truly unique and are filled with passionate instructors and like-minded students. The list of what is possible through the Faculty of Forestry is endless, and means that there is something for everyone in this community.
My experience with UBC Forestry has been extremely positive. The sense of community created is felt immediately and greatly encouraged me to put myself out there, say hi to the person next to me, and get involved in the diverse opportunities offered within the program. In addition to a great and supportive services team, I always feel like someone has my back, whether that’s a professor or a friend”
UBC Forestry’s new “Notes from the Field” series highlights the work of different community forests in collaboration with the British Columbia Community Forests Association.
If your community forest wishes to be featured in this publication series, please contact Deborah DeLong at deborah.delong@ubc.ca
Our event at COP29, titled “Advancing the Quality and Integrity of Forestry Climate NbS: Challenges, Innovations, and Strategies,” will focus on enhancing forest-based nature-based solutions (NbS) as essential tools for tackling global climate change. Our session will explore a broad spectrum of forestry NbS, beginning with holistic forestry solutions for biodiversity, climate resilience, and socio-economic well-being and then narrowing in on the role of bamboo as an NbS for carbon markets. The overarching aim is to examine challenges such as ensuring carbon market integrity, biodiversity co-benefits, and community involvement, as well as showcasing innovative strategies for scaling and financing robust forest NbS. We will bring together a range of experts—from the University of British Columbia (UBC) to partners like the American Forest Foundation (AFF), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Balance Eco, Université Laval, and ZAFU—and provide an in-depth look at forestry NbS within the framework of the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
What inspired the theme for this event?
Chunyu at COP28 last year
The theme is inspired by the critical need for NbS to be credible, effective, and inclusive. Forests offer remarkable potential for climate resilience, carbon sequestration, biodiversity preservation, and livelihood support. However, to harness these benefits, NbS projects must be well-managed, accountable, and supported by rigorous standards and transparent financing mechanisms. By focusing on “quality and integrity,” we’re addressing some of the main obstacles in implementing NbS effectively at scale—issues such as methodological rigor in carbon accounting, socio-economic inclusivity, and market-driven finance. This theme reflects our dedication to advancing forestry NbS to deliver on climate goals and support resilient, sustainable communities.
What role do forests play in terms of nature-based strategies for climate change? What are the challenges?
Forests are foundational to climate change strategies, as they naturally sequester carbon, support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and contribute to local economies. Our event will delve into these roles, showcasing how forestry-based NbS can simultaneously address climate, biodiversity, and socio-economic goals. However, several challenges remain. Carbon market integrity is a key issue—how can we ensure that forest carbon projects are credible and truly impactful? Furthermore, ensuring these projects provide measurable biodiversity co-benefits and support local communities requires strong, inclusive frameworks. Financing is another critical challenge; without reliable funding from mechanisms like Article 6 and the New Collective Quantified Goal, scaling NbS becomes difficult. By fostering collaboration and addressing these obstacles head-on, we hope to contribute to the implementation of forestry NbS as an essential climate solution.
How does your work at UBC Forestry align with this event and what are your expectations for the conference?
Panel from COP28 in Dubai
My research at UBC Forestry focuses on using bamboo as a nature-based solution (NbS) for climate change mitigation, alongside examining challenges and strategies in forest carbon offset projects. This aligns closely with the themes of our COP29 side event, where we’ll explore innovative NbS in forestry and address key challenges in carbon market integrity, biodiversity co-benefits, and local economic impacts. For COP29 as a whole, I’m particularly interested in learning how international stakeholders are advancing Article 6 implementation to standardize and scale carbon markets, as well as how the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is progressing in climate finance. I hope to gain insights into global best practices and explore potential collaborations that can further enhance the credibility and impact of forest-based NbS.
What do you hope attendees will take away from your event?
We hope attendees will come away with a comprehensive understanding of how forest-based NbS can be scaled to address climate change effectively and equitably. From our first session, we hope they gain insight into the importance of holistic forestry approaches that integrate biodiversity, community well-being, and climate action. In the second session, we want to illuminate the potential of bamboo as a carbon sink and a contributor to sustainable livelihoods. We want attendees to appreciate the importance of maintaining quality and integrity in NbS projects and recognize the critical role that robust financing, transparent methodologies, and community collaboration play in achieving these goals.
We’re honored to represent UBC and our partners at COP29 and to contribute to the dialogue on nature-based solutions for climate action. We’re excited to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and are optimistic about the pathways this event will open for future partnerships, research, and impactful climate action.
Dana-Lyn Mackenziejoins the Faculty of Forestry as Senior Manager for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity. This is a shared position with the Faculties of Applied Science and Land and Food Systems, where Dana-Lyn has already served in this role for several years.
Dana-Lyn (born Wilson) is a member of the Hwlitsum First Nation, based in Canoe Pass, BC, and a lawyer. Dana-Lyn is an elected councillor of her Coast Salish nation, serving since 2021. She is a double alumna of UBC, having obtained her Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees.
Dana-Lyn is expected to a play key part in helping to set the strategic direction of the Faculty of Forestry in implementing the Indigenous Strategic Plan across our research, educational, and community engagement programs.
I’m a mom, lawyer, partner, and daughter. I grew up in Steveston, BC and feel deeply connected to the land south of the Fraser where my family fished since time immemorial.
What inspired you to pursue your current work, particularly in the areas of law, Indigenous advocacy, and education?
My daughters inspired me. I wanted to be a role model for them, and show them what they could do with their lives. I went to law school when they were five and two, and they are the reason for everything I do.
Through your work at UBC, what are the key goals you hope to achieve, particularly in supporting Indigenous communities and advancing equity?
I have been a part of the UBC community since I was a child, and my mom went to school and took us to her classes. Later we lived in student housing when my parents separated. Over the years, I have seen many changes here at UBC and moving the dial on how the university responds to calls for reconciliation has been a long-standing passion of mine.
I want everyone who attends, works and lives here to know the history and understand whose land we are on when we are here, and understand why that is important. I want engagement with the Indigenous Strategic Plan to be meaningful and genuine.
What initially attracted you to UBC, and what excites you about the opportunities within the Faculty of Forestry?
UBC is a place I love. I did both my degrees here, and have worked here in different roles on and off since 2012. UBC can be the most progressive, advanced place and the opportunity to do meaningful work here is tremendous. The Faculty of Forestry is an exciting place to be with the new Bachelor’s of Indigenous Land Stewardship beginning, and existing programs such as the Haida Gwaii Institute among others being a draw.
How will you use your experience in other faculties in your work with UBC Forestry?
I have worked across several faculties and can bring a lot of institutional knowledge to Forestry.
I lead institutional events such as the Intergenerational March for Orange Shirt Day on September 30th each year, and bringing Forestry into this work benefits everyone.
As you begin your work within the Faculty of Forestry, what are you most excited about, and what do you hope to accomplish?
I am very excited about learning where everyone is at in relation to the ISP and what actions we can take together to work towards reconciliation. I am excited to get to know a new group of people and I hope that I can be in a position to assist where needed, and help showcase some exciting initiatives – such as the IDEAL certificate – to a new audience in Forestry.
UBC Forestry’s new “Notes from the Field” series highlights the work of different community forests in collaboration with the British Columbia Community Forests Association.
If your community forest wishes to be featured in this publication series, please contact Deborah DeLong at deborah.delong@ubc.ca
Forest Access is a directed study course that provides students with the knowledge and decision-making framework to conceptualize, design and manage secondary transportation infrastructure projects in a natural resource context. This course is intended for students in the forestry and forest operations degree programs, and the material covered is directly applicable to the forestry and natural resource sector. The course will draw upon student’s prior knowledge of forest operations and forest access (FOPR264), as well as techniques in mensuration and forest soils. The course is intended to grow skills and knowledge in the areas of:
Topographic Surveying
Resource Road Planning & Management
Soil and Terrain Stability
Road Costing and Appraisals
Stream Crossing Planning & Management
Detailed Road Design
Principles of Drafting and Design
Complete lifecycle planning
Students can find the course listed on Workday, and can contact Lee Salmon for more details.
