MSc Thesis Oral Defence, Theresa Loewen: Integrating ecosystem services and biodiversity in Landscape Management For Multifunctional Agroecosystems: A case study in The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Master of Science Oral Defence – Master of Science in Earth and Environmental Sciences

Theresa Loewen will defend the thesis titled: Integrating ecosystem services and biodiversity In Landscape Management for Multifunctional Agroecosystems: A case study in The Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Agriculture affects the surrounding landscape, and can result in harmful impacts when managed without environmental awareness. This research project contributes to investigating opportunities for
enhancing environmental awareness in agricultural activities for the Okanagan Valley, Canada. Research questions were designed to explore how integrating environmentally-friendly practices in
agriculture might help reduce negative impacts to the surrounding landscape. There were two research objectives. First, agricultural properties in the study area were mapped using software to
show their contribution to promoting environmental health in the landscape. The results show that agricultural land is moderately beneficial, and could benefit from some more enhanced environmental
practices. Second, farmers were interviewed to determine how they could meet environmental goals on their property. The results showed that farmers could benefit from education, outreach, and
financial assistance. Integrating environmental practices in agriculture can improve the overall impact of agriculture on the surrounding landscape.

March 3rd, 2020
9:30 a.m.
UNC 334, UBC Okanagan campus