Research & collaboration

Exploring the Future of a Sustainable Bow Valley

At the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley, we believe that research and collaboration are vital to addressing the complex environmental and social challenges facing our region. We're actively seeking partnerships with academic institutions, community organizations, and independent researchers who share our passion for sustainability, resilience, and community well-being.

potential research questions

We invite collaborators to explore the following areas of inquiry with us:

🐾 Wildfire Planning & Wildlife Movement

• How might the development of fireguards impact local wildlife movement and habitat use?

• What are the projected effects of proposed fireguards and the Canmore Area Trail Strategy (CATS) on key wildlife corridors?

• How can wildfire risk mitigation be balanced with ecological connectivity and biodiversity protection?

🌱 Climate Resilience & Local Resources

• To what extent can biochar be produced locally in the Bow Valley, and what is its economic and ecological feasibility?

• What are the potential climate benefits and community uses of a localized biochar system?

🔄 Community Engagement & Behavior Change

• How can we more effectively engage the Bow Valley community in deep, long-term behavior change around sustainability?

• What strategies increase adoption of circular economy practices such as repair, reuse, and material sharing?

• What are the barriers and motivators for greater participation in local climate action initiatives?

🧭 Equity, Inclusion & Missing Voices

• What voices and perspectives are currently missing from sustainability and conservation efforts in the Bow Valley?

• What does meaningful partnership with Indigenous Nations and communities look like in practice—and how can we deepen these relationships?

• How can we better include equity-deserving communities and integrate different ways of knowing in our work?

🌍 Engaging Youth & Transient Populations

• What approaches are most effective for engaging young adults and transient residents (e.g., seasonal workers, Banff and Canmore Life participants) in local environmental initiatives?

• How can we foster long-term stewardship in populations with short-term residence or employment in the valley?

past research projects

Click below to explore previous research projects and final reports on various topics:

💡 Want to Collaborate?

If you’re a student, researcher, Indigenous Knowledge Holder, nonprofit, or simply curious about one of these questions—we want to hear from you. Let’s co-create solutions for a more resilient and inclusive Bow Valley.