Nature, Women, and Community: A Conversation with Sarah Elmeligi

Sarah Elmeligi, PhD, has focused her career on the ecology and conservation of large landscapes in Alberta and British Columbia. Her graduate research combined different scientific fields of knowledge to understand the impacts of recreation on grizzly bear habitat use and behaviour, as well as visitor perceptions of impact and support for management actions. Working in the environmental non-profit sector, Sarah has helped create new protected areas, improve land management, and effectively engage communities in conservation. Sarah examines landscapes holistically, aiming to create management recommendations that balance biological, social, and cultural needs. Her first full-length book, What Bears Teach Us, weaves the science of bear behaviour with the realities of wildlife management to discuss coexistence. She believes in the inherent value of wilderness and wildlife management is usually people management. Last May, she was elected as the NDP MLA for Banff-Kananaskis. In addition to serving her constituents, she is the critic for Environment, Parks, and Tourism. She believes that science needs to play a larger role in political decision-making. She lives in Canmore with her husband, daughter, dog, and cat.

Come ready with your questions for Sarah. This interactive session is all about you and what you want to learn. Your questions will guide our discussion, so consider what interests you and bring them along!