Fideline Mboringong receives IDRC International Doctoral Research Award
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship congratulates Fideline Mboringong on receiving the IDRC International Doctoral Research Award!
About Fideline
Fideline is a PhD candidate in the Vibrant Forest Landsccapes Lab. Her research explores how Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities’ (IPLCs) values can be integrated into decision-making for large-scale mining projects in Cameroon’s South and East Regions. With increasing mining pressures on forests and livelihoods, she examines how inclusive frameworks can address environmental injustices and promote sustainability. Her work aims to fill policy gaps and provide recommendations for equitable transformation in Cameroon’s mining sector.
About the IDRC International Doctoral Research Award
Funded by the International Doctoral Research Centre (IDRC), the International Doctoral Research Awards (IDRA) aim to strengthen the research capacity of doctoral students enrolled at Canadian universities. The IDRA program supports field research undertaken in the Global South.
In the Spotlight: Garry Merkel
The new Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship is a groundbreaking undergraduate program that emphasizes the vital integration of Indigenous science into land stewardship. By fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable and respectful resource management, the program is helping pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for both Indigenous communities and the global landscape. We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Garry Merkel (nadi’ denezā), a Tahltan professional forester and the director of the Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, to discuss his background, his work, and the vision for this innovative program.
Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship?
By trade I am a professional forester but, like many professional members of the Indigenous community, I have a wide-ranging set of experiences including community planning and development, treaty negotiations, governance development, business development and management, education, housing and infrastructure, and various intergovernmental agreements in various fields. I began by building forest cover maps for the Yukon and Northwest Territories, which sparked an interest in resource management. Then I decided to pursue formal education, earning a technologist diploma and later a degree. Before becoming so deeply involved in academia, I served as a senior analyst for timber and economic analysis. Later, I took on the role of regional forester for Indian Affairs in British Columbia. My involvement with UBC initially started through collaborative projects aimed at increasing the number of Indigenous resource management professionals. Over time, we created the Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship and the new Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship, with me as the director.
What is your vision for the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship?
The Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program is dedicated to exploring how earth-based or Indigenous communities translate their deeply held land ethic into practical and effective land management systems. This encompasses various aspects, including physical planning, innovative governance models, active community involvement, and unique economic systems tailored to these communities. The overarching goal is to integrate Indigenous land ethics and other land stewardship approaches, with the aim of making this blended approach a commonly accepted and broadly used practice by 2050. To achieve this ambitious vision, the Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship at UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is committed to building a strong network of people and continuously staying on top of emerging ideas, fostering a movement that promotes sustainable and respectful land stewardship practices worldwide.
What are some of the challenges in promoting Indigenous land stewardship?
One of the most significant challenges in promoting Indigenous land stewardship is overcoming the pervasive perception that Indigenous approaches are mere “fairy tale folklore” rather than legitimate, evidence-based science. This leads them to dismiss the refined discipline, accumulated knowledge, and time-tested practices deeply embedded in Indigenous approaches. This bias is often rooted in a systemic devaluing of non-Indigenous science, stemming from deep-seated insecurities and a lack of understanding of different knowledge systems. Addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort to educate and demonstrate the rigor and effectiveness of Indigenous land stewardship practices, fostering a more inclusive and holistic understanding of science and land management.
What advice would you give to young professionals interested in resource management and community development?
For young professionals venturing into resource management and community development, it’s essential to prioritize helping communities envision and shape their own futures on their own terms. Personal development is key, requiring an openness to having your worldview challenged and a commitment to staying humble throughout your career. Recognize the inherent capabilities and value the unique ways of thinking within Indigenous communities. It is important to stop believing the misconception that Indigenous people are not as capable as others, and instead, embrace the strength and wisdom that comes from diverse perspectives. Finally, learn to deal with your personal anger, blame, or guilt, as these emotions can hinder progress and prevent you from effectively contributing to positive change.
How is the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program going so far?
The Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program is off to a promising start, with its first cohort now actively engaged in the curriculum plus more applicants than available spaces for next year’s cohort. The program is specifically designed to provide students with the best tools and knowledge to build essential land stewardship infrastructure within their communities, empowering them to lead and sustain these initiatives. A key aspect of the program is fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, supporting individuals within a holistic community context. By focusing on community wellness and comprehensive approaches, the program aims to equip students with the knowledge and the personal skills and perspectives needed to create lasting, positive impacts in their respective communities.
What impact do you think the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program will have on resource management and community development?
The growing recognition and demand for the skills and knowledge being cultivated within the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship program highlights a significant shift in the field. The world is increasingly recognizing the value of what the program is building, and the more proficient students become, the greater their potential to contribute to meaningful change. The program is not just an academic exercise but a vital initiative that equips individuals with the tools and perspectives needed to address pressing issues in resource management and community development. By fostering a deep understanding of Indigenous knowledge and practices, the program is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future, where the contributions of its graduates will be highly valued and sought after.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Indigenous Land Stewardship.
30 Tanzanian & Ghanaian Students to get BCDI 2030 scholarships for mangrove stewardship studies at UBC
Grad students will do training & research through the Coastal Guardians Fellowship Program, a collaboration between UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship & Institute for the Oceans & Fisheries
Thirty African graduate students will be pursuing advanced studies and research at UBC, supported by the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 program (BCDI). The project is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
The students come from three leading African universities: the Sokoine University of Agriculture/national Carbon Monitoring Centre and the Mkwawa University College of Education, Geography and Economics, both in Tanzania, and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
BCDI 2030 is an eight-year, $80-million initiative started in 2022. Jointly administered by Colleges and Institutes Canada and Universities Canada, the program’s goal is to strengthen the social and economic development of 26 developing partner countries, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa, by offering inclusive, quality and accessible education and training opportunities in Canada so that individuals can improve living conditions in their countries.
The scholarships give students educational experiences in high-impact sectors, such as STEM, climate action, artificial intelligence, and the green and blue economy, a term which refers to an economy powered by sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. Over three summers beginning in 2026, the visiting students will participate in the Coastal Guardians Fellowship Program, developed in collaboration with the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship, UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries and the three partners.
The Coastal Guardians Fellowship builds on the recently launched CoastMan program, which supports mangrove-dependent communities in Eastern and Western Africa with a knowledge-based decision-making criteria system local leaders can utilize. The fellowship is part of an interdisciplinary research project focused on training stewards to sustainably manage mangrove ecosystems by equipping students with skills at the intersection of land and sea. It is aligned with national priorities and addresses critical needs in Tanzania and Ghana, says Hamidu Seki, Lecturer on Tropical costal ecosystems at Mkwawa University College of Education, Geography and Economics, Tanzania.
Says Deo D. Shirima, Senior Researcher and MRV expert at Tanzania’s Sokoine University of Agriculture/National Carbon Monitoring Centre: “These coastal communities rely on mangrove forests for their livelihoods, but climate change threatens these vital ecosystems. They need support with restoration and conservation.”
The Coastal Guardians Fellowship provides awards through two models: a customized training program for master’s students and research stays for PhD students. The total value of the scholarship program is CAD $586,000.
“Through this partnership, UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship is committed to advancing global sustainable development goals and fostering collaboration between Canada and African nations,” says Terry Sunderland, Professor of Tropical Forestry at the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and a Senior Research Associate at the Centre for International Forestry Research, Indonesia. “The program ensures at least 51 percent of scholarship recipients are women, promoting gender equality in access to education and the labor market.”
In addition, Africa will soon be home to about 40 percent of the world’s youth, according to the United Nations, notes Dr. Rashid Sumaila, Professor and Director of the Fisheries Economics Research Unit at UBC Fisheries Centre. “Programs such as this can contribute to equipping these young people with what they need to help make Africa and the world more sustainable and just,” he says.
Says Ibrahim Issifu, an interdisciplinary Fisheries Economist and a Research Associate in the Fisheries Economics Research Unit the UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries: “By investing in these emerging scholars, we are also strengthening bridges between continents, and fostering research that addresses local challenges with global impact.”
Specifically, this program will train a “critical mass of experts” that will work to reverse degradation of mangrove forests of sub-Saharan Africa, says Dr. Precious Agbeko D. Mattah, Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Centre for Coastal Management-Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR).
Professor Denis W. Aheto, agrees. He is Director of the Centre for Coastal Management-Africa Centre of Excellence in Coastal Resilience (CCM-ACECoR) and Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast. “Africa will be gifted with the next batch of mangrove ecosystems conservation specialists through this program,” Prof. Aheto says.
Read more about programs and initiatives of the UBC Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries.
Find out more about the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 program (BCDI).
Indigenous Storytelling Event
Date: February 25, 2026 | 4-5:30 pm
Location: Forest Sciences Centre Room 2916 – CAWP Building
Registration deadline: February 22, 2026
Are you Indigenous? We are looking for Indigenous storytellers, artists, poets, and aspiring creatives to share lived experiences and creative expressions that honour relationships to land, people, and/or the rights of nature. Submit interest in presenting & register to join, using the button above. Those selected will receive a $300 honorarium for presenting their story and may be featured on UBC Forestry JEDI digital platforms.
This event builds on the Folil Trafun (Joining Roots) Festival coordinated by the JEDI Team and partners in 2023 & 2024. We honour the legacy of Mapuche creators by highlighting the power of art and storytelling to explore Indigenous contested lands and the Rights of Nature.
Mya Tsai (Wood Products Processing)
Quality Control Wood Process Engineer Summer Co-op – Resolute FP Canada Inc.
I had the pleasure of working with Resolute Forest Products and landed a job as QC Wood Process Engineer. The job required that I reside in Thunder Bay Ontario. The move from Vancouver to Thunder Bay is what anyone could expect…a big move. But with the help of the great HR team from Resolute, they got me settled in.
So far at work, I have been working closely with the QC and Optimization supervisor doing both hands-on work with the lumber produced as well as analyzing data gathered from the mill. I am usually tasked with checking the information that the computer has picked up the correct defects and has accurately identified them along with inputting data and stats of the products made.
The first word that comes to mind about what co-op means to me is opportunity. Co-op opens doors to students when it comes to seeking career options, creating new connections or gaining new skills in the professional world. I think most importantly, it creates a bridge for students in university to start tapping into their strategic thinking side and develop skills/habits that would set them up for success in their careers.
Haida Gwaii Institute Information Session
Date: March 6, 2025 | 12:00 – 1:00 pm (PST)
Location: Online via Zoom
About this Information Session
Learn more about Haida Gwaii Institute’s transformative, place-based education and the newest program, the Marine Conservation Semester, starting in January 2026. Hear from the HGI team and have a chance to ask questions.
Please note that this session may be recorded and shared on the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship and Haida Gwaii Institute websites.
About Haida Gwaii Semesters
These semesters are intensive, 13 week programs designed for senior level undergraduate students from a wide range of
universities and disciplines. Each semester provides a full course load, including four courses that run in successive blocks
over three weeks, and a fifth weekly seminar that runs throughout the entire program. In addition to in-class lectures and
course work, students will also explore the incredible natural environments of Haida Gwaii, meet with local experts and
knowledge holders, and become immersed in the Haida Gwaii community.
About the Haida Gwaii Semester in Marine Conservation
- Semester runs from January to April on Haida Gwaii
- Get 15 UBC 300-level credits
Marine conservation is increasingly important at all levels, requiring responsible stewardship that balances diverse human uses. Over the past two decades, governance has shifted to a more inclusive approach, involving Indigenous Peoples and marine resource users in decision-making. This program explores these topics in depth.
Questions? Contact Us
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to the HGI team:
Email: hg.institute@ubc.ca
William Nikolakis wins Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Outstanding Research Award
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate Dr. William Nikolakis, winner of the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Outstanding Research Award!
About William’s Research
William researches Indigenous land and natural resource governance, focusing on Indigenous rights and natural resources law. He collaborates with Indigenous communities to support self-governance, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship. His work includes studying cultural burning practices and improving wildfire and forest management strategies.
About the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship Outstanding Research Award
This award recognizes the outstanding research accomplishments of a faculty member (Assistant or Associate) early in their career, based on the quality, quantity, and impact of their research in the previous two years. Each department head, in consultation with faculty members, selects one nominee, and from those nominees, a committee, that includes a senior faculty member from each department, selects an award winner. The committee was lucky to have three excellent nominees to select from, reflecting excellence, depth, and breadth of research in the Faculty of Forestry & Environmental Stewardship.
Dr. Stephen Sheppard awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal
UBC Forestry & Environmental Stewardship wishes to congratulate Dr. Stephen Sheppard on being awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal!
The Medal, administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, commemorates individuals who have “made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community of Canada, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada”.
Stephen’s research centers on climate change planning, community engagement, and the visualization of climate impacts and solutions. He also explores low-carbon futures, energy literacy, public perceptions of sustainability, and the social aspects of forestry.