Responsible management of natural resources

Background and issues

The Industrial Revolution sparked massive economic growth, but also put tremendous pressure on the earth’s natural resources, many of which are non-renewable. To counter this trend, more research-based approaches are needed to inform sustainable natural resource use and management.

Expertise at Université Laval

Université Laval professors are leading the way in their respective fields, with fresh ideas on how to responsibly manage and develop natural resources. Successful research teams are studying a range of ecosystems to better understand their genomics and biodiversity, gauge the impacts of ocean biogeochemistry on living organisms, and assess how global changes are affecting managed or natural environments, including peatlands.

Respected UL professors are also doing important work on the legal aspects of natural resource exploitation.

UL faculty researchers are making significant contributions in many areas: land use planning, agroforestry and crop protection, aquatic resource and water conservation, eco-efficient agriculture, mine site remediation, peatlands rehabilitation, forests management, wood products, and green buildings. Work on the characterization and development of new bioactive compounds has also met with international acclaim.

The high-level expertise of UL professors is leading to advancements in integrated and comprehensive resource management, with work on production and manufacturing processes, energy consumption, logistics, and new environmentally responsible business models. Other noteworthy research is examining green processes and biofuels, energy and environmental efficiency, and alternative methods of energy production.

Researchers at Université Laval are collaborating to find new ways to reduce natural and human-made hazards, enhancing ecosystem conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

In total, 420 professors and their teams at 6 faculties are doing important work to ensure Université Laval remains at the forefront of responsible natural resource management.

Research

Alliance Université de Bordeaux–Université Laval (ABL) is a compelling example of the UL vision and strategy applied to responsible natural resource development and management.

ABL has been a model of international collaboration between universities, with a focus on research into natural resource use and sustainable development.
As part of this strategic partnership, various networks have been created, including Institution de nutrition Aquitaine Québec (nutrition), Réseau scientifique Aquitaine Québec Forêt-bois (forestry and wood science), and Réseau scientifique Aquitaine-Québec sur l’eau (water science). In 2014, a new network was born, Réseau scientifique Aquitaine Québec en optique et photonique (optics-photonics), with a third partner, INRS. Other initiatives are under development in various fields including health.

Scientific networks foster the sharing of expertise and provide a framework for collaboration on training, research, and knowledge transfer between faculty members and research teams at the two institutions.

In 2014, ABL received an honourable mention in the “International Achievement” category at the 29th edition of Québec’s public administration achievement awards.