Beatrice is passionate about GSA’s mission and brings over 20 years of experience in environmental conservation in academia, government, non-profit, consulting, and Indigenous collaboration.
You can learn more about Beatrice’s work experience and education here, but on this occasion, Beatrice shares some of her experiences and thoughts that shed light on what motivates her.
I was drawn to GSA because it empowers the voices of communities that deeply care about our Salish Seas, orcas, salmon, and the stunning seascapes we share. I truly admire how GSA amplifies the strength of resilient communities where both people and nature can thrive together.
As a newcomer to Canada, I discovered what it means to live in a country where Indigenous communities have always taken care of their lands and water since time immemorial and that we can learn so much from working with Indigenous communities – from their generosity to share expertise and knowledge.
“By building strong, resilient communities, we don’t just honor the past—we pave the way to restore and protect thriving lands and waters for future generations. This is the work we do as champions and stewards of the Salish Sea.”
Her background
Born and raised in Italy, I developed a deep connection to nature from a young age, inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea and the Apennine mountains. This led me to become a biologist and to do biodiversity conservation, or what I thought was conservation at that stage.
I was doing science by using birds as bioindicators for protected areas planning for several years. But my PhD supervisor opened up the idea that conservation is not only about protecting nature; it’s also about the community who lives within these spaces and have taken care of nature since time immemorial.
I quickly realized that my beautiful protected areas management plans were actually empty without the presence of communities, without the champions who were willing to steward those nature protection priorities. During this time, my mind shifted, realizing the pivotal role communities play in biodiversity conservation. We, as a community, are part of nature and we’re part of the solution to halt biodiversity loss.
“The Salish Sea is an alive and marvellous lab of nature. With only a small amount of time, you can really shift your day by going to the ocean.”
Beatrice with her daughter Gaia and pet Moby. Image: Raimondo Falanga
Arriving to the Salish Sea
Life experiences led me to the Salish Sea after living in Newfoundland, where my first child was born. On the ferry to Victoria for my first job here, I was feeling that I was landing in the place where I wanted to grow my own family and this was a place that I really loved and wanted to care for.
I walk to the Salish Sea every single day, often going with my two daughters, who are 7 and 12. We find a moment of respite, we find connection and we find that we belong – and I hope they’ll inherit this passion and the awe for this beautiful place.
Professionally over the last several years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside communities, united as champions, to protect and care for these beautiful places. I really appreciate that caring comes in different forms: location, knowledge, advocacy, being a community member.
An evolution in protected areas
As a conservation social scientist, I have seen an evolution in what are considered protected areas – from the fortress approach towards new ways of stewarding the land and water through Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA). We’re moving away from the Western idea of conservation that relies on segmentation to engaging in broader areas that can integrate multiple uses, while maintaining diversity and richness. It’s really important for us to consider and embrace different ways to look after the environment. This shift is necessary if we want to create resiliency.
Let’s connect!
I’m looking forward to engaging with you as we work together as champions for the Salish Sea. Please connect with me anytime at beatrice@georgiastrait.org – and I hope we can meet when I’m in your community soon!
Beatrice and GSA team (Khalid, Maithili, David and Kellie) at the Cowichan Tribes Marine Forum