Dr. Natalie Ban

Biography

Natalie Ban is a Professor and the President's Chair in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria, where she has been a faculty member since January 2013. With a PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia obtained in 2008, Natalie's expertise spans marine conservation, marine protected areas, marine spatial planning, and marine ethnoecology. She is committed to community-engaged research, particularly in supporting Indigenous-led environmental stewardship and fisheries management. Throughout her career, Natalie has focused on finding solutions to contemporary challenges in marine conservation through collaborative research that integrates multiple perspectives and diverse knowledge systems, culminating in a strong emphasis on social-ecological dynamics and the impacts of climate change on coastal marine systems. Her research team engages actively with various partners, including Indigenous Nations, to address research needs and opportunities. Natalie's work exemplifies the importance of gathering and braiding Western and Indigenous knowledges to inform marine conservation practices.

Research Interests