University of California, Berkeley
Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity

The University of California, Berkeley, Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity advances science and solutions to halt climate change, conserve biodiversity, and improve the experience of nature for all. The Institute conducts new scientific research and helps managers and policymakers apply the results to conservation of ecosystems around the world, especially in national parks and other protected areas.

Public protection of land and water serves important roles for climate change resilience and carbon solutions, endangered species, tropical forests, health and well-being, education, thriving economies, Indigenous cultures, and environmental justice. For these critical issues and other emerging questions, the Institute connects field managers and government policymakers to the high-level interdisciplinary research capabilities of the University of California, Berkeley. Institute researchers also communicate science-based solutions to motivate public action and cultivate future conservation leaders. With new scientific insights, the Institute aims to advance meaningful progress for nature and people.
 

Goals

  1. Halt climate change, through carbon solutions and resilience measures
  2. Conserve biodiversity, through protection and restoration
  3. Improve the experience of nature for all, from cities to wilderness
     

Selected Results 2017-2022

  • Science
        Published first spatial analysis of climate change across all U.S. national parks
        Published assessment of climate change impacts and risks across U.S. national parks
  • Management
        Targeting fire management under climate change in Yosemite National Park
        Field planning for a new national park in China
  • Policy
        Testimony to U.S. Congress on climate change in U.S. protected areas
         Advising California state government on strategy for 30 x 30 goal
  • Education
        Parks Stewardship Forum open-access publication for conservation professionals
        Park management training for national agencies in Asia
        Graduate student conservation seminar
  • Equity
        Launched California Outdoors Engagement Coalition for underserved youth

 

Message from Jonathan Jarvis

  • Former Director of the U.S. National Park Service (2009-2017)
  • First Executive Director of the Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity (2017-2019)
  • Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity (2019-present)