Life on Land

SUSTAINABLE LAND USE

Simon Fraser University (SFU) actively supports and organizes events and initiatives aimed at conservation and sustainable land management, particularly through its Faculty of Environment and School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM). Here’s how SFU contributes:

• Public Events and Community Engagement: SFU hosts regular public talks, panel discussions, and interactive workshops that focus on conservation, climate action, and land stewardship. Events hosted by SFU Public Square and "SFU Sustainability and Climate" provide platforms for dialogue on sustainable practices and community involvement in conservation efforts.
  
• Educational Programs: The REM school offers courses in applied ecology, environmental law, and resource management, integrating conservation and sustainable land use into the curriculum. These programs cover topics such as ecological economics, environmental ethics, and Indigenous perspectives on resource management, encouraging students to apply sustainable principles in their careers.
• Research and Student Projects: SFU encourages graduate research on topics like sustainable forestry, wildlife habitat conservation, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience. For example, student projects focus on sustainable land-use planning, ecological restoration, and reconciliation-informed resource management, providing practical insights and innovations to the field.
• Partnerships and Conservation Projects: SFU collaborates with governmental and non-governmental organizations on projects that promote conservation and sustainable resource use. This includes work in environmental decision-making and policy research, supporting local communities and stakeholders in sustainable practices and conservation efforts

Through these educational, research, and community-focused initiatives, SFU fosters a robust commitment to sustainability and conservation, helping students and the public engage meaningfully with issues of land and forest conservation.

POLICIES AND PLANS SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has policies and initiatives focused on the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of its terrestrial ecosystems, including forests and natural areas on Burnaby Mountain. Through its Burnaby 2065 Campus Master Plan, SFU incorporates sustainable land management within its campus development strategy, including policies to protect natural areas like the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. This area serves as a habitat for native species and maintains the headwaters for several local creeks, supporting SFU’s broader environmental and conservation goals.

SFU emphasizes using native plants for landscaping around forest edges, swales, and creeks, which helps maintain local biodiversity. Additionally, it manages forest areas sustainably by reusing landscape cuttings as mulch, which enriches the soil and minimizes waste. SFU also follows a Salt Management Plan to protect watersheds on campus, further showing its commitment to conservation and minimizing environmental impact. These initiatives support SFU’s alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, "Life on Land," which advocates for sustainable ecosystems, biodiversity, and land use practices.

STORIES AND EXEMPLARS

Historic logging contributes to water temperature increases for salmon, study finds

A collaborative study between researchers at Simon Fraser University and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has found that high logging intensity in the Interior watersheds of British Columbia is associated with warmer stream temperatures in salmon—bearing streams, potentially contributing to increased heat stress in salmon.

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2,114 trees inventoried on Burnaby campus

SFU's Burnaby campus grounds are home to many native planting areas in which salal berries, ferns and mosses can be found throughout the campus. Native plant species in all new planting programs, especially when the area is near or adjacent to natural areas such as forest edges, swales and creeks.  

Cuttings from landscaping and maintenance are mulched and spread back into the forested areas on campus so the nutrients can be returned to the system. In an effort to protect the watersheds and creeks on Burnaby Mountain and reduce salt contamination, SFU has also implemented a Salt Management Plan to reduce the amount of salt used on university roads and parking lots in wintry road conditions. 

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SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE 

Simon Fraser University (SFU) supports sustainable land management for agriculture through several educational outreach initiatives and programs, partnering with local communities and fostering innovation in agritech. The university hosts projects like the "Nutrition through Engagement and Agricultural Technologies" (N-EAT), which collaborates with Indigenous communities to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture practices. For example, SFU works with First Nations in British Columbia to develop community gardens and greenhouses, emphasizing sustainable local food production. This initiative includes skill-building and intergenerational learning to empower communities in managing their food resources sustainably.

SFU leads the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation, focusing on research and practical solutions for sustainable agriculture. This center collaborates with industry, government, and Indigenous organizations to create resilient food supply chains through agritech innovation. It offers support to small and medium-sized businesses and aims to prepare students for careers in sustainable agriculture and agritech, giving them real-world experience through collaboration with experts and local businesses.

These programs exemplify SFU's commitment to promoting sustainable land management in agriculture, reaching beyond academia to impact local communities and contribute to broader environmental goals.

For more information, you can explore these programs on SFU's website or through the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation and N-EAT program details
 

STORIES AND EXEMPLARS

Global Institute for Agritech (GIA) 

SFU's new Global Institute for Agritech (GIA) is a cross-disciplinary research hub aimed at advancing agricultural technology and fostering climate-resilient food systems. It addresses global agricultural challenges like drought, soil degradation, and food security by promoting innovations in precision farming, crop diversification, and sustainable pest management. The institute collaborates globally, including with partners from The Netherlands, Tanzania, and Canada, and supports community-based and Indigenous-focused agricultural practices to create sustainable, local solutions. For details, visit SFU's GIA page.

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SFU Partners with Wageningen University to Address Global Food Security and Agriculture Challenges

Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Wageningen University & Research (WUR) have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on agritech research, focusing on food security and climate change. This partnership was announced at an Innovation Day event by the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) in Surrey. The collaboration aims to advance agricultural technology through joint research and student exchanges, supporting a broader B.C.-Netherlands action plan to improve food systems. The BCCAI, funded by PacifiCan and the Province of B.C., aims to create jobs and develop new agritech projects by 2025.
 

SUSTAINABLE FOOD AT SFU

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has implemented several policies and initiatives to ensure sustainable food sourcing and reduce environmental impact on campus. The university collaborates with Chartwells Canada to prioritize local food sourcing, with a target of sourcing up to 50% of food locally, which supports regional food suppliers and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. SFU also emphasizes food sustainability through programs like "Rooted," which showcases Indigenous cuisine and supports Indigenous food sovereignty.

To further enhance sustainable food practices, SFU has banned single-use plastics on campus as part of the “RE-Use For Good” initiative and partners with “Reuseables” to provide reusable container options for campus dining. Additionally, SFU’s Dining Commons has achieved LEED Gold Certification, indicating adherence to sustainable building practices. The university also actively works to reduce food waste through initiatives led by the SFU Food Systems Lab, which promotes social innovation in food system management
 

BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM MAINTENANCE AND REGENERATION

Simon Fraser University (SFU) actively contributes to the maintenance and extension of ecosystems and biodiversity, especially for ecosystems under threat. SFU faculty members, such as Jonathan Moore and Nick Dulvy, have led important research projects aimed at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices for vulnerable species and habitats. For instance, Moore's research highlights the importance of adaptive approaches to conservation that allow ecosystems to adjust to climate change impacts, enhancing their resilience and capacity to support biodiversity. This proactive approach includes measures like conserving connectivity in habitats, reducing local stressors, and protecting future habitats to help species adapt to shifting environmental conditions.

 SFU researchers are involved in projects that address the risk of extinction for species like the sawfish, which face significant threats from overfishing and habitat loss. Dulvy's research calls for international efforts to conserve marine biodiversity and protect threatened habitats such as mangroves, which are critical for marine species survival. SFU’s commitment to addressing these issues is reflected in their collaboration with global conservation initiatives and ongoing projects aimed at ecosystem restoration and biodiversity management.

Simon Fraser University (SFU)  employs sustainable land management and environmental practices that indirectly address the presence and management of invasive species. For instance, SFU’s sustainability and campus planning initiatives often incorporate strategies that help preserve local biodiversity, which can contribute to controlling invasive species. These practices align with recommendations for sustainable campus ecosystems, such as using native plant species in landscaping and engaging in restoration projects that prioritize ecosystem health

Through these efforts, SFU demonstrates a strong commitment to ecosystem conservation and biodiversity, underlining its role as a leader in research and action toward sustainable environmental stewardship.
 

BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM EDUCATION

SFU offers a range of educational programs and courses focused on ecosystems, flora, fauna, and environmental conservation. These programs span various departments, including Environmental Science and Resource and Environmental Management (REM), which address critical topics like biodiversity, ecosystem management, and conservation. Courses such as "Ecology and Conservation of Coastal BC" and "Wildlife Conservation" explore local ecosystems and the relationships between wildlife, conservation, and human activity, specifically focusing on British Columbia’s unique flora and fauna.

SFU’s educational outreach also extends to hands-on learning through field trips, community-based projects, and practical courses that aim to increase awareness and understanding of ecosystem conservation, engaging students and, by extension, the broader community in sustainable practices. This approach supports both local and national conservation goals by preparing graduates to tackle environmental challenges professionally and thoughtfully.

For those in the community or at SFU interested in conservation, these programs provide foundational knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable ecosystem management.
 

BIODIVERSITY IN PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

SFU integrates biodiversity considerations into its planning and development to support local ecosystems. When building or renovating campus spaces, SFU Facilities Services prioritizes the use of native plant species near natural areas like forest edges and waterways. This approach not only conserves local flora but also enhances habitats for native fauna. SFU also manages landscaping and grounds maintenance in eco-friendly ways, such as reusing mulched plant cuttings in forested areas, promoting soil health and nutrient cycling.

Moreover, SFU’s Action on Climate Team (ACT) has developed a biodiversity-led green infrastructure project, aiming to align urban planning with ecological sustainability. This initiative, involving collaboration with local governments and community groups, focuses on integrating biodiversity-friendly practices and green infrastructure to support resilience against climate change and protect species diversity across regions of British Columbia, including areas around SFU campuses.

These efforts underscore SFU's commitment to balancing development needs with environmental stewardship, ensuring that growth on and around its campuses aligns with ecological sustainability goals.
 

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY

SFU collaborates extensively with the local community to support shared land ecosystems, fostering biodiversity and conservation. Through partnerships with organizations like the BC Wildlife Federation and initiatives such as the Year of the Salish Sea, SFU students and faculty engage in ecosystem stewardship, particularly in areas like wetland restoration and marine conservation. The university’s approach includes education, outreach, and direct involvement in policy advocacy to maintain ecological integrity. For example, SFU students actively participate in local conservation efforts and work on projects to restore vulnerable ecosystems around British Columbia.

SFU also runs community-centered climate initiatives, leveraging local and Indigenous knowledge to co-develop environmental strategies. These programs promote sustainable land use, integrate biodiversity considerations, and emphasize the collaborative creation of solutions tailored to local environmental challenges. This community-based approach is designed to address both the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on ecosystems shared between SFU and surrounding communities.
 

STORIES AND EXEMPLARS

Five-decade study of wild orangutans points to new urgency as “pre-extinction” looms

A 50-year study of orangutans in the wild led by Simon Fraser University professor Biruté Mary Galdikas, the world’s foremost authority on these animals, concludes that the declining Bornean species is in a “dire state” and may be already in pre-extinction.

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New Radar Technology Shows Promise in Detecting Polar Bear Dens

Researchers from Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Brigham Young University (BYU), in collaboration with Polar Bears International, have tested a new technology to improve polar bear den detection in the Arctic. Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), their pilot study in Churchill, Manitoba, showed SAR improved detection accuracy by 66%, compared to the current 45% using aerial infrared systems. SAR's ability to penetrate snow and operate in all weather conditions makes it a promising tool for protecting vulnerable mother polar bears and their cubs during denning season, a critical time for polar bear conservation.

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Wildfire & ecosystem scientist leads new research group at SFU

Wildfire scientist Sophie Wilkinson joins Simon Fraser University to launch a new lab addressing how increasingly volatile fire seasons are impacting communities and ecosystems. As head of SFU’s Fire and Ecosystems Research Lab, Wilkinson and her group are developing ecosystem management strategies that reduce the negative impacts fire can have on all aspects of the environment and society.

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RECREATION AND TOURISM

Simon Fraser University (SFU) offers educational outreach and programs that support sustainable land management for tourism, largely through the Centre for Tourism Policy and Research. This center, part of the School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM), provides both graduate-level and professional development education. Graduate programs focus on sustainable tourism policy, planning, and management, incorporating local environmental and community contexts. Students engage in research and fieldwork addressing critical issues such as ecotourism, community planning, and environmental impact assessment, gaining hands-on experience that can apply to regional and national tourism sectors.

For broader outreach, SFU’s Centre offers short courses and seminars geared toward professionals, often focusing on sustainable tourism practices that help preserve natural resources and promote responsible tourism. These efforts reflect SFU’s commitment to equipping both students and professionals with the knowledge needed to manage tourism sustainably, benefiting local and regional ecosystems.
 

POLLUTION AND PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has implemented several initiatives and policies to significantly reduce plastic waste on campus, particularly single-use plastics. The "Re-use for Good" initiative, launched in 2019, plays a central role in these efforts. It has led to the elimination of single-use plastic water bottles across all SFU campuses, reducing the sale of over 260,000 bottles per year, except for accessibility purposes. Additionally, SFU has removed other single-use plastic items, including bags, containers, and cutlery, by promoting reusable alternatives like metal cutlery, GoGreen containers, and reusable water bottles, which are now available in vending machines on campus.

This initiative also includes infrastructure upgrades, such as installing over 170 water bottle refill stations to encourage the use of refillable bottles. Collaboration with student-led groups like "Ban the Bottle" and consultation with the SFU Disability and Neurodiversity Alliance ensures these measures are accessible to all members of the community, including those with specific needs who may still require single-use plastics in some cases.

Through these comprehensive policies, SFU is working to reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainability, and involve the campus community in creating a zero-waste environment.
 

HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL

Simon Fraser University (SFU) has policies and systems in place to manage hazardous waste and ensure safe disposal in alignment with environmental and safety standards. SFU's Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department oversees the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals across all campuses. This includes a comprehensive program for chemical safety that outlines procedures for handling hazardous materials, performing risk assessments, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. For specific construction projects, SFU also enforces guidelines to manage hazardous building materials such as asbestos, lead, and silica to protect the health and safety of both workers and the campus community.

The university requires that hazardous materials are assessed and handled by qualified professionals, and it ensures that all hazardous substances are managed in compliance with local and national regulatory requirements. Through this approach, SFU is committed to maintaining a safe and sustainable campus environment.

Research Centres and Labs

• B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation
• Civic Innovation Lab
• Fire and Ecosystems Research Lab
• Forest Ecology and Management Research Group (FEAM)

Facts and Figures

• 280 research publications relating to SDG 15, 2019-2023 (source: SciVal)
• 258 active research projects related to SDG 15 funded between 2019 - 2023
• Since the 2018/19 academic year, SFU has offered 8 courses relating to SDG 15, representing over 914 students
• At least 60 researchers involved in research relating to SDG 15 (source: SFU Research Expertise Engine)