This page is provided for scientists, natural resource specialists, environmental educators, wildlife biologists and managers who are seeking additional information about the activities and approach of Canopy.

Much of our work is facilitated by members of Canopy's Affiliate Wildlife Specialist (AWS) network which is made up of natural resource specialists from all around the world. Further details are provided below.

To view a list of current Canopy Affiliate Wildlife Specialists, please click here. 

An introduction to Canopy:

Canopy identifies critical business and ecological issues and addresses them in synchrony. We provide a conduit through which corporations and other ecosystem stakeholders learn about the work of our affiliate biologists, and the benefits to be accrued by adopting wildlife stewardship as a core business element.

By selecting charismatic megafauna as flagship representatives of natural ecosystems and landscapes we are able to draw attention to the needs of biodiversity conservation. By working with leading companies that have often already identified the environment as a priority concern we are able to promote sound business actions that encompass wildlife stewardship and sustainable conservation practices. And by working with biologists around the world (our affiliates) we can offer real opportunities for corporations to participate in the creation of effective biodiversity conservation from the local to the international level.

Our multi-disciplinary approach engages specialists from ecology, conservation, resource management, business strategy, marketing, media, public relations, and sustainable development. Our initiatives include scientific research, environmental education, media, wilderness retreats, publications, conferences, and corporate sustainability programs.

Case Study: Project CAT

Canopy is developing a model that promotes multi-party dialogue concerning species, ecosystem, and landscape conservation. In addition to catalyzing relationships between ecosystem stakeholders (biologists, businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, NGO’s etc.) at the local level, we also network with related research, conservation and environmental education projects in other areas of the world. Multiple benefits accrue through information exchange between projects with a common focus (e.g. based upon study species, industrial sector, or biome etc.). Canopy initiates many of these relationships through it’s AWS network – drawing from a broad range of specialties, and managing programs to ensure that they provide maximum benefits for each party.

As an example, Canopy’s Project CAT(‘Cougars And Teaching’) is a cougar (Puma concolor) research and environmental education project in Washington State. The goal is to study cougar habitat use and movement patterns in relation to human residence and activities over an eight year period. Project CAT integrates scientific research (GPS telemetry, DNA, GIS habitat mapping etc.), school curriculum components for kindergarten through grade 12, and community education and involvement.

Project CAT is geared towards integrating the study of cougars and their environment into the school math, biology, physical sciences, English and Journalism curricula. Students actively participate in all components of the project from capture and handling of cats to data analysis. Results will help managers to assess the impacts of human expansion into cougar range and also address concerns about human-cougar interactions.

Throughout the process, the needs of multiple stakeholders are carefully considered. For example, the project also entails the integration of business interests – including small, locally-based companies that potentially impact ecosystem management, and large multinationals that are seeking meaningful involvement with wildlife stewardship efforts. Our work brings all of these parties together and opens the way to positive interactions between companies and biologists working towards collaboration and mutual benefits.

Canopy’s Affiliate Wildlife Specialists (AWS):

Wildlife biologists are at the core of our approach. Through our AWSs we are able to identify and then highlight species and ecosystem-specific conservation needs to stakeholders and corporations that are able to assist relevant efforts. Many corporations and business leaders are keen to support and become involved with environmental issues, but do not know of the many varied opportunities that exist to do so. Similarly, many biologists recognize the enormous benefits that can be accrued through working with businesses, but do not have the time, knowledge or resources to pursue them. Canopy bridges this gap.

One aim is to develop local projects with international strategic partnerships. In this way we are able to highlight the commonalities between wildlife issues in sometimes very different settings. For example, Project CAT focuses upon cougars in Washington State. However, it is clear that many of the same issues faced by cougars (and people living in cougar habitat) are also pertinent to the conservation needs of cheetahs in Namibia, and snow leopards in Mongolia. Canopy is forging links with projects in those areas that will result in effective information sharing, technology transfer, personnel exchanges, educational opportunities, and strategic development. 

Such expansion and replication of projects also adds eye-catching value as we seek corporate support for the programs we adopt and develop. It is exactly this type of approach that stands to benefit the Species Specialist Groups of the IUCN-SSC.

As a relatively new organization, our scope and resources are very carefully focused. We are currently concentrating on two major programs in the Pacific Northwest of the USA, with a view to expansion internationally. As Canopy evolves, so will the potential for us to help our AWSs pursue funding, collaboration, exposure, and resources. Support is likely to emerge in a wide variety of forms depending upon many factors (e.g. location, corporate interest, focal species, potential for replication and partnership building etc.).

Similarly, the roles adopted by AWSs vary greatly – from consulting with Canopy about specific wildlife/habitat protection options to escorting field expeditions or helping with the development of conservation initiatives. We are committed to bringing many benefits to all AWSs as our position gains momentum.

Canopy’s status:

Canopy is deeply committed to assisting biologists and other scientists with their work to protect the earth’s precious natural resources. We welcome your involvement.

Many thanks for your interest.

To view a list of current Canopy Affiliate Wildlife Specialists, please click here.