“Decentralization, restoration” implies a dual framework where systems are distributed and resilient, emphasizing the empowerment local communities to function autonomously while collaboratively contributing to the greater whole. Restoration focuses on the repair and revitalization of ecosystems, social structures, and resources, ensuring that they recover their integrity, balance, and sustainability. Together, this principle highlights the importance of redistributing power and resources to create adaptive, equitable systems while simultaneously repairing the damage caused by over-centralization and exploitation. 

“Governance of nature” refers to the management, regulation, and decision-making processes related to the use, protection, and conservation of natural resources, ecosystems, and biodiversity. It implies the need for effective governance structures, policies, and practices to ensure the sustainable and responsible management of nature, balancing ecological, social, and economic considerations.

The term “Governance of nature” assumes that nature can be governed, which refers to the worldviews of the western society where nature is a tool available to man to achieve economic development. There are other worldviews of Indigenous communities who believe they are a part of nature. The question then becomes: how, within these worldviews, can we nurture and promote sustainability? We are, with our ideas, trying to bridge that gap to promote sustainable practices.

Our lab explores the themes of resilience of communities to adapt to changes around them while still continuing their stewardship models and governance of natural resources. We work with Indigenous and forest communities in Canada, India, and Australia to explore these themes. Our lab strives to find the balance between providing sustainable livelihoods to these communities while protecting biodiversity. Intact ecosystems are limited and they are under immense pressure because of developmental goals. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems can be successfully accomplished with the support of local communities. We believe in conducting impactful research by partnering with communities, governments, NGOs, and industries to bring urgent and direct societal change.