ID: 2071
Presenting Author: Natascia Tamburello
Session: 622 - “Science isn’t just for scientists”: IA and advancing technical literacy
Status: pending
This regional marine CEA blended multiple knowledge systems through a collaborative co-development process focused on technical understanding, credibility, and accessible interactive reporting.
Cumulative effects in Canada have often been assessed project by project, yet many extend beyond project boundaries, are complex to conduct, and are challenging to meaningfully communicate to affected communities. Under the Oceans Protection Plan, Transport Canada partnered with the First Nations Fisheries Council of BC and consultants to conduct a regional Cumulative Effects of Marine Shipping (CEMS) assessment for South Coast BC. Guided by a steering committee of participants from at least 17 South Coast First Nations, this assessment blended technical methods and data alongside Indigenous knowledge to assess the annual extent and magnitude of cumulative effects from multiple vessel traffic stressors on multiple marine ecosystems under current and future scenarios. Designed for accessibility and practical use by coastal First Nations, the process emphasized building understanding and trust through visual unpacking of methods and data sources during co-development of the approach, contextualization of results through the lens of lived experience, and collectively crafting an interactive digital storytelling product for accessible reporting. Beyond building credibility in the assessment process and outcomes, this approach built technical understanding for broader application of the resulting data products to answer local management questions. We present an overview of the technical framework and highlight key lessons on adaptive communication, co-development, and capacity building relevant to Indigenous communities, regulators, and impact assessment practitioners.
Marine ecologist and science communicator integrating technical tools, strategic planning, and multiple ways of knowing to assess, report, and manage coastal and marine cumulative effects.
Coauthor 1: Gordon Planes