Advancing UBC Biodiversity Themes and Principles Through Campus Community Consultation
Creators: name: Smith, Brodie F.
name: Mboringong, Fideline A.
Publisher: name: The University of British Columbia
Year: 2023

description: This research project was completed in the context and framework of the course RES 505 Qualitative Methods in Interdisciplinary Contexts with Dr. Leila M. Harris as instructor, and in collaboration with the Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Biodiversity and Climate Principles project. The goal of this research project was to help inform the themes, principles, and related actions of the emerging University of British Columbia (UBC) Adaptation, Resilience and Biodiversity Strategy (ARBS). This research project complied with UBC Behavioural Research Ethics Board (BREB) application for RES 505. A literature review of relevant documents was completed to help identify possible existing principles that could be applied to the UBC ARBS. The data collected in the literature review was compiled in a summary table listing the themes and principles relevant to biodiversity for each of the reviewed documents. Themes were grouped to establish broader themes that helped inform the coding and analysis of the interview and focus group data. Interviews with campus experts and focus group discussions with UBC staff and faculty and student staff were completed to identify possible additional themes and principles that will increase understanding needed to inform UBC ARBS. Participants are currently working on biodiversity related projects and campus planning. All interviews and focus groups were one hour in duration and were conducted online using Zoom. The student researchers led the discussions, with support from SEEDS representative Georgia Stanley. The participants were identified and recruited by SEEDS representatives. The campus expert interviews were semi-structured using open, exploratory questions and participatory discussion. The focus groups discussions were based on five focal questions, followed by open discussion amongst the participants and follow up questions as needed. The data from the literature review was combined with the data from interviews and focus groups and was analysed using deductive coding. A series of major biodiversity themes were developed and summarized in a table. Seven major themes with associated topics were identified. The themes identified in this research project will provide UBC with guidance on the themes, and eventually the principles, needed to proceed with creating the UBC Adaptation, Resilience, and Biodiversity Strategy. Several project limitations were identified. There was a lack of diversity in the participants including no Musqueam representation. The number of participants, total number of interviews and focus groups, the coverage of the literature review, and depth of analysis was limited due to time constraints. Recommendations to incorporate biodiversity in future activities and policies include improving policy processes, integrating climate change and biodiversity actions, providing financial support for biodiversity initiatives, and protecting campus biodiversity. Recommendations for additional research include expanding the scope of consultation, exploring other themes, continued inclusion of the student body, Musqueam inclusion, the involvement of more campus experts, and an expanded literature review beyond UBC resources. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”