Grassland Learning and Knowledge Hub (GLKH)

A fox walking among various grasses in the Canadian grasslands

Grassland Learning and Knowledge Hub

About Us

The Grassland Learning and Knowledge Hub (GLKH) is a partnership between the University of Alberta, Canadian Forage and Grassland Association, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Restore Assert Defend (RAD) Network. To enable grassland conservation, the GLKH will address natural climate solutions implementation and research gaps by analyzing barriers to reducing grasslands conversion and increasing restoration, with an emphasis on policy and the social sciences.

This five-year project began in 2024 and is part of a national initiative that has received funding through Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. Our area of focus is on the Canadian grasslands in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Learn more

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Capturing the beauty and biodiversity of the Canadian Prairie grasslands: (Photos courtesy of John Pattison-Williams)

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Image courtesy of Trudy Kelly-Forsythe

Mission

To increase foundational knowledge and capacity to support widespread understanding and implementation of natural climate solutions in Canadian grasslands while maximizing the co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.

Strategy

Economics

Examine the current economic conditions for grassland conversion and preferences for conservation, and identify biophysical research gaps that inhibit natural climate solutions uptake.

Human Dimensions

Conduct an analysis to examine factors beyond economics that drive grassland loss, and opportunities to collaboratively address these challenges.

Policy

Conduct a grassland policy analysis to identify barriers to effective grassland conservation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.

Community of Innovation

Create an interdisciplinary Community of Innovation that consists of grassland experts, relevant organizations and rights holders to integrate learnings, build relationships, and develop solutions to advance the implementation of grassland natural climate solutions.

Learning + Knowledge Transfer

Develop a Learning and Knowledge Transfer plan to present the findings and work established over the five-year GLKH project. Through this website, events, reports, a podcast and other activities, the GLKH will ensure key findings are readily available, easily accessible and understandable for the benefit of those who live on these lands and make decisions that impact the Canadian grasslands.

Indigenous Engagement

Conduct a systematic review of Indigenous grassland stewardship and restoration initiatives and governance approaches while working to create a deeper understanding on the possible approaches to enhance Indigenous governance of grasslands. This will include developing and sharing a participatory Indigenous action research approach, building on 2-eyed seeing methodologies.

Connect with Us

Below are the ways you can stay informed and up-to-date with our work.