Royal Society of Canada

September 15, 2021

Marine conservation scientist, Natalie Ban (School of Environmental Studies) is moving us toward a world where people and ecosystems not only coexist but flourish. Ban and five other University of Victoria researchers have been elected to the Royal Society of Canada (RSC), a council of distinguished scholars and leaders recognized with the country’s highest academic honour.

Her vision embraces diversity (of people, methods and perspectives) and balances the needs of human communities with the needs of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. Her research focuses on coastal and marine systems on topics such as marine protected areas, coastal governance, and climate change.

Much of Ban’s research is done in partnership with First Nations and others. With guidance of partners, her approach uplifts Indigenous knowledge holders and weaves traditional knowledge into biodiversity conservation.