04/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2024 08:58
Some parts of this page will not display.
JavaScript is not available in this browser or may be turned off.
Alberta is a large, diverse province with many environments and ecosystems. Drought, habitat loss and other challenges can impact each region differently, and more research is needed to better understand Alberta's wildlife, water and ecosystems.
A new $500,000 grant to the University of Lethbridge will help explore water storage in lakes, restoring habitat for the endangered sage-grouse, and other key environmental issues impacting Southern Alberta and other regions of the province. This collaborative research will help government and university researchers better understand and respond to droughts, species at risk, and changes in climate.
"We're joining forces with the University of Lethbridge to look deeper into environmental issues impacting Southern Alberta. This grant will help us better maximize and manage Alberta's water supply, reduce emissions, recover species at risk and protect the environment in the years ahead. This is a great example of government and university scientists working together."
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected AreasThe three-year research grant will help support eight collaborative research projects investigating a wide range of topics, including:
In addition, the research will explore emerging questions and issues affecting Southern Alberta and the rest of the province:
"The ministry's significant investment in eight innovative and provincially important research projects led by University of Lethbridge researchers working with Environment and Protected Areas colleagues is greatly appreciated. The research includes answering important questions about water resources and habitat management, carbon storage in landscapes, ensuring diverse and thriving insects, birds, and fish populations, as well as human actions and interventions that affect water and lands."
Dr. Dena McMartin, PhD, vice-president research, University of Lethbridge"Partnerships between Alberta's major universities and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas enable us to better understand and respond to current environmental opportunities and challenges in the province. This collaborative grant administered by the Office of the Chief Scientist and the University of Lethbridge provides an important opportunity to fill critical knowledge gaps and help support development of Alberta's next generation of environmental researchers."
Dr. Jonathan Thompson, PhD, chief scientist of Environment and Protected AreasThese research projects will occur over the next three years and their results will be communicated through various academic journals, as well as on Alberta's Environmental Science Program website.
This grant is part of a rotating program led by Alberta's Office of the Chief Scientist. Previously, the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta received funding for key research activities. About $1.5 million in research grants will be awarded by the Office of the Chief Scientist this year to better monitor and understand Alberta's environment.