Researchers at the University of Victoria (UVic) are advancing the world's understanding of the planet's ecosystem as a world leader in sustainable development related to its research, stewardship, outreach and teaching.
UVic faculty and students are advancing land sustainability in many ways. Studying great ape behaviour, communication and culture can shed light on how chimpanzees and other primates adapt to complex ecosystems. Next-generation environmental tools like environmental DNA, or eDNA, allow scientists to collect and identify molecules collected in the wild to "see the unseen."
A Place of Medicine is where UVic's inaugural Indigenous Land Steward shares her knowledge and love of native plants to heal people and place. Technology can power communities using iNaturalist platform to gather biodiversity data from around the world using the power of pictures and AI.
For these pursuits and many more, the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings announced on Wednesday UVic is ninth in the world, and first in Canada, for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15, life on land.
UVic's research excellence is grounded in a deep respect for the natural world. Our researchers integrate new ways of thinking to better understand life in all its forms and lead discoveries that help protect our planet for future generations."
Lisa Kalynchuk, UVic vice-president research and innovation.
Ranked against the 17 United Nations SDGs, UVic placed 27th out of 1,664 institutions worldwide placing it in the top 30 universities globally for its work toward the SDGs. UVic ranked 5th in Canada.
Community partnerships for sustainability goals
SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable terrestrial ecosystems. Strong research partnerships can help advance these goals including a UVic partnership with the Squamish Nation and BC Parks to study the overuse of the Coast Mountains, a popular BC recreation destination.
UVic researchers are also working with Cowichan Tribes Emergency Services and InDro Robotics using aerial mapping technologies to develop more accurate, scalable ways to monitor land use, habitat health and the impacts of climate change across communities to support better risk management for natural disasters like flood and wildfire.
