About Us

We are the Centre for Applied Science in Ontario Protected Areas (CASIOPA). CASIOPA, through the University of Waterloo, is a consortium of government, academic, indigenous communities, conservation and environmental non-government organizations, research organizations and professionals who are dedicated to research, shared knowledge, and applied science in Ontario’s protected areas.

We promote science and evidence based policy, planning and management of Ontario’s protected areas. We provide collaboration and networking opportunities by hosting an annual conference and other events.

CASIOPA’s focus is on science in a broad sense – natural, physical, and social. In includes the synthesis, analysis, and presentation of current research.

Protected Area – a clearly defined geographical space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values (IUCN Definition 2008). Protected Areas can support a variety of uses but must have the in-situ conservation of biodiversity as the primary objective. Protected areas may be under different governance types, including governance by government (at various levels), by private individuals and organizations, by Indigenous peoples and/or local communities, and those under shared governance.

CASIOPA provides an opportunity for professionals and students to come together to present new research, share new ideas, and provide a platform for collaboration. We encourage researchers and protected area practitioners to implement their work and then return to CASIOPA meetings to report on their results and actions, and receive feedback from colleagues.

About Us

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