People

My long-term research interest is in analyzing natural and environmental resource policy with an emphasis on forestry and in developing new policy options that can help enhance the long run sustainability of Canadian forests and the communities and businesses that rely upon them. The forest sector itself is undergoing a structural transformation as the industry has to adapt to changing markets and new opportunities and risks; at the same time, there is an increasing emphasis being placed on the non-market values of those forests, spurred by changing public expectations on how those forests should be managed. Climate change makes the challenges even more complex.

I currently am investigating what role Ecosystem Services could provide as an alternative business model for indigenous groups managing forest lands in BC. I continue to work on assessing the impacts of climate change on how we manage our forests and exploring adaptation options.

William Nikolakis, PhD, LLB, BBus practices law in British Columbia, and practiced in Australia. His focus is on the intersection between Aboriginal rights and natural resources law. Since 2000, William has been working with Aboriginal organizations, governments and corporations in Australia and Canada to help achieve their objectives, including gaining greater control over their economies and natural resources, and designing governance mechanisms to support these objectives. 

In addition to his core research focus, Dr. Nikolakis is also deeply involved with First Nations on interdisciplinary projects through Gathering Voices Society. In doing so, he has been collaborating with the Yunesit’in First Nation on their cultural burning program, doing research to observe the practice’ impact on the land and people.

Project Title: Examining the Feasibility of Carbon Credits from Indigenous Fire Stewardship: Insights from Yunesit’in

Start Year: 2022

Description: After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from McGill University in 2015, I worked as an engineer for seven years. However, I eventually realized that I wanted to pursue work that held greater personal significance. Currently, my research focuses on exploring the potential of generating carbon credits to support the Yunesit’in First Nation’s Indigenous fire stewardship program. This program employs traditional Indigenous fire techniques, such as controlled burns during specific seasons, to decrease fuel accumulation on the ground and mitigate the risk of severe wildfires. To approach this research, I am taking into consideration both the technical feasibility and social acceptability aspects. My goal is to align my work with the Yunesit’in objectives for the program, respecting their perspective and prioritizing their needs rather than imposing pre-existing ideas. This research is particularly meaningful to me as it addresses the critical issue of reducing wildfire risk in British Columbia, which has emerged as a significant problem, while also contributing to the well-being of a First Nation community that I have come to deeply appreciate.

In my free time, I like to come up with new dad jokes. 

Project Title: People, Policy and Predators

Start Year: 2023

Description:

I grew up in Mumbai, India and completed my Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Mumbai. Seeking further education, I decided to pursue an MBA in Marketing and International Business from the University of Miami in the United States. After earning my MBA, I worked in marketing and corporate acquisition for several years. However, my passion for the natural world persisted, and I continually sought out ways to make a meaningful contribution. Eventually, I discovered my calling when I started collaborating with Adivasi communities in rural Maharashtra. Working on government projects provided me with an incredible opportunity to study the role of Adivasi communities in conservation, explore their relationship with forests, and evaluate the implementation of Community Forest Resource Rights as outlined in the Forest Rights Act. Motivated by my experiences, I made the decision to join the Dragon Lab as a PhD student. Here, my research focuses on understanding the impact of relocation and recognition of CFR rights on Adivasi governance of common pool resources within India’s tiger reserves. By studying this topic, I aim to shed light on the complex interplay between conservation initiatives and the rights of Indigenous communities.

In my free time, I enjoy laughing at Phil’s dad jokes!

Project Title: What is the ‘public interest?’ How forest professionals interpret organizational visions in British Columbia

Start Year: 2022

My research focuses on the ‘public interest’ in the context of BC’s Forest Sector. Provincial legislation (specifically the Professional Governance Act) requires that the ‘public interest’ be upheld and protected in professional practice. What’s interesting is that the ‘public interest’ is never defined in provincial policy or legislation, leaving resource professionals to interpret it themselves. So, how do forest professionals interpret the ‘public interest,’ and how does that interpretation affect what happens on the ground?

Here’s a song from my awesome band: