Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #35:Bedrock geological and related ecosystem-related studies in Nunavut National Parks  (Bedrock geological and related ecosystem-related studies in Nunavut National Parks)

Outline
The National Parks system constitutes the crown jewel of the Canadian ecosystem and, particularly in Arctic Canada, covers very large land areas and protects significant aspects of the terrestrial environment. Because of their protected natures, the parks constitute sublime natural laboratories from which bedrock geological and base-line environmental research work can be conducted that will be of critical importance for sustainable development of Nunavut. The parks can also be significant incubators for the transfer of field mapping, ecosystem and natural resource evaluation skills to the indigenous peoples. As with much of Nunavut, the parks are poorly mapped and inventoried, and Parks Canada have neither the financial resources, infrastructure, nor human asset wherewithal to undertake fundamental earth-related studies. The Nunavut Geological Survey, likewise, has such limited human resources that it might take another century before the territory is mapped at scales <1:250 000. We are a group of earth scientists and affiliated ecosystem researchers who propose to conduct geologically-based research in Nunavut National Parks, most especially Sirmilik. The main idea would be to (1) geologically map the park using field techniques and laboratory protocols developed from our mapping in Newfoundland-Labrador and Nunavut over the last three decades and integrate this work with ecological studies; (2) develop educational programs in a partnership between Memorial University and one or more of the Arctic Colleges to teach modern geological mapping concepts; and (3) produce maps along with an interpretative program for the parks. The research would assess how bedrock geology links to ecosystem and human health, for example elucidate the physiochemical parameters of toxic element sequestering within bedrock and how or why these elements might become mobile with climatic change. The educational partnership will also integrate southern land use strategies with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) views of the land, with the ultimate rationale of defining respectful and sustainable pathways for development. The focus will be to establish research facilities in the park that will be used as the field operations base. Following completion of the IPY work, the facility would be turned over to the park and neighbouring community(ies) for use as a museum/teaching centre to explain the natural science endowment of the park and TEK concepts of the land. The proposal will build science capacity and provide outreach education to the entire territory. The research/product template will have applications to other Arctic Parks in Canada and indeed entire Arctic.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
National Parks, a part of the Canadian heritage, comprise largely unspoiled wilderness in the north. This programme will serve to provide baseline data on the current natural state of that part of the polar environment (Themes 1, 2, 3 and 5). Exploring the function and sustainable development of Arctic frontiers and polar based communities and societies will become a major preoccupation in the next 100 years. Training offered during the course of this research will allow the next generation of scientists and researchers to contribute in a meaningful way to this endeavour (Themes 4 and 6).

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Greenland Geological Survey and other national geological surveys; Juan Abrajano (USA), Steve Macko (USA), etc.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Sirmilik National Park on Bylot and northwestern Baffin Islands, including also the community of Pond Inlet.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07 – 08/07      06/08 – 08/08      06/09 – 08/09
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Polar Continental Shelf Project has in the past provided significant helicopter and fixed wing aircraft support and equipment for field camps. Before the winter sea ice breaks up, snowmobiles and Inuit guides offer some of the best transport for gaining access to and for measuring coastal sections. Other facilities will include a new field station (or refurbishment of existing). All these resources would be readily shared with other projects.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The logistical research centre and all field equipment would be left with relevant community or park personnel. After analysis, the materials collected from this work will be returned to the park/community for curation and display. Maps and practical language geological guides will provide a reference for park planners, interpreters, and tourists.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Commercial operator
Own support
Other sources of support

Project would involve the Canada-Nunavut Geoscience Office, and possibly Parks Canada in at least an in-kind fashion. Financial and in-kind will be requested from the Geological Survey of Canada, the Polar Continental Shelf Project, and NSERC. The local community Co-Operative and the local Hunters and Trappers Association will be contracted to provide expediting services

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: THEME: Education, Outreach & Communication SUB-THEME: Education and Training

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

This is a new autonomous proposal based on the Arctic and northern experience of our group and linkages with geological survey and ecosystem research units. Two of us, Wilton and Burden, have extensive experience with large-scale integrative multi-disciplinary research projects

How will the project be organised and managed?
Again, based on our experience with large-scale integrative multi-disciplinary research projects, this project will be run as a collaborative endeavour combining the synergies of Memorial University, the Arctic Colleges, the Nunavut Geological Survey, Parks Canada and a group of other academic research scientists. Training of local students, graduate students and non-scientists will be a key goal as well. The development of local scientific capacity will be an underlying theme.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Training in field techniques and theory by having one or more of our instructors offer appropriate courses at a local college. Liaise with community elders. Publish scholarly papers and maps. Publish pamphlets and booklets for park interpretation

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Assembled and analysed field measurements and sample collections and analyses will be published in a timely manner by the Geological Survey of Canada and journal such as the Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. Basic data will be housed with the Nunavut Geological Survey and Parks Canada.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Potential support may be available from the Nunavut Geological Survey, the Geological Survey of Canada and NSERC. The total cost for the project is expected to be around $600k

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Prof Derek Wilton

Memorial University
St. John’s NL
A1B 3X5
Canada

Tel: 709-737-8389
Mobile: no
Fax: 709-737-2589
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation