The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation has awarded a $790,000 USD grant to the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Forestry to support collaborative research focused on Indigenous-led, proactive approaches to wildfire management and ecological restoration. The project, co-led by Dr. Lori Daniels and Dr. Janette Bulkan, seeks to better understand the ecological and cultural benefits of innovative forest management, including prescribed and cultural burning practices, in collaboration with the Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation, St̓uxwtéws First Nation, and Lil’wat First Nation.

The transdisciplinary research aims to provide insights into the positive roles of cultural fire for enhancing biodiversity, reducing wildfire risk, and restoring forest ecosystems. UBC Forestry researchers and their Indigenous partners will analyze forest conditions, study fire regimes, and co-develop management strategies that support Indigenous knowledge with western fire ecology and social science. The study will include field experiments, ecological monitoring, and policy recommendations to advance sustainable land stewardship.

“Our research is looking for place-based examples co-developed with Indigenous communities for proactive management,” says Daniels, Koerner Chair in Wildfire Coexistence at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry.

“This includes cultural and prescribed burning that will inform how to adapt to climate change, how to revitalize indigenous fire stewardship, how to restore ecosystems, and ultimately to continue to contribute to legislation, policy, and best practices here in Western Canada.”

This research is one of six natural climate solutions (NCS) projects receiving funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation to accelerate climate change mitigation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. The foundation is leveraging the region’s expertise in conservation innovation, Indigenous leadership, and ecological stewardship. Projects will be conducted in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia, and Idaho, with the majority led by Native American and First Nations partners.

Defined as deliberate, nature-based “human actions that protect, restore, and improve management of forests, wetlands, grasslands, oceans, and agricultural lands to mitigate climate change,” NCS can provide up to 37% of the cost-effective global CO2 mitigation needed through 2030 to stabilize warming to below 2°C. In the United States, NCS have the potential to mitigate up to 21% of net annual emissions.

“We are in a critical window where natural climate solutions have immense potential to accelerate climate change mitigation efforts while also providing key biodiversity and human well-being co-benefits,” said Yuta Masuda, director of science for the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and co-author of several recent studies on NCS.

“The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the world’s most transformative science and technology-based conservation efforts and policy innovations. These are high-integrity projects, bringing together some of the best talent and minds to tackle the unique challenges we face.”

Funding for these six projects totals approximately $5,000,000 USD over three years. In addition to UBC Forestry’s work in British Columbia, funding also supports natural climate solutions projects from Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Native Conservancy, Nisqually Indian Tribe, and Trout Unlimited.

About the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation 

Founded in 1988 by philanthropists Jody Allen and the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, the foundation works to enhance the arts and culture experience, mobilize young people to drive change, and advance science and technology solutions that address wildlife conservation, ocean health and climate change. The foundation also funds cutting-edge research in all areas of bioscience through the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group.

About UBC Forestry

UBC Faculty of Forestry is globally-recognized for its award-winning educational programs, research and initiatives. Home to some of the most innovative minds and approaches to the profession, our interdisciplinary team leads in forward-thinking research, education and community outreach that address some of the most pressing issues of today. With an eye to expanding conceptions of forestry, our students receive inspiring and cutting-edge education from top forestry experts in a broad array of disciplines that prepare them to become global citizens and leaders in their chosen careers. Together we are passionate about supporting the health and well-being of our planet’s forested ecosystems.