The Canadian BEACONs Project was founded at the University of Alberta in recognition of the need for a "made in Canada" approach to conservation planning in Canada's boreal region. We are building a credible scientific framework for comprehensive conservation planning through the development and application of leading edge conservation science that includes consideration of both protected areas and lands managed for other values. The premise of our research is that the ultimate goal of conservation is to identify human activities that are compatible with the maintenance of biological diversity and integrity of ecological systems. The conceptual scientific framework of guiding our research is the Conservation Matrix Model.

Meet the BEACONs Research Team and Science Advisors

Established in 2003, the home of the BEACONs' Team is the lab of Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow, Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta. The BEACONs Project is partnered with Université Laval, through Dr. Steve Cumming. In November 2004, an international Science Advisory Committee was established to provide independent scientific advice and direction to BEACONs...

What is the Conservation Matrix Model?

The Conservation Matrix Model is the conceptual scientific framework guiding our research of conservation planning in boreal Canada. The CMM is comprised of 4 principle components: ecological benchmark areas, additional reserves, active management areas, and the larger conservation matrix within which the former three elements are embedded, and to which they contribute...