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Topic

Fostering sustainable food systems: A case study of Comox Valley, British Columbia

School of Public Administration

Date & location

• Friday, December 13, 2024
• 9:30 A.M.
• Human & Social Development Building, Room A302

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Tamara Krawchenko, School of Public Administration, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Robert Newell, School of Public Administration, UVic (Co-Supervisor)
• Prof. Evert Lindquist, School of Public Administration, UVic (Member)
• Dr. Kara Shaw, School of Environmental Studies, UVic (Outside Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Rylan Graham, School of Planning and Sustainability, University of Northern British Columbia

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Lyndze Harvey, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, UVic

Abstract

Food systems are complex and interconnected with environmental sustainability, climate change, biodiversity, and human health challenges. Global food systems faces numerous challenges, including climate-induced disruptions, biodiversity loss, and growing public health concerns that threaten long-term food security and sustainability. This case study of the Comox Valley region of British Columbia, Canada, applies a climate-biodiversity-health (CBH) nexus framework to promote sustainable and resilient food systems. Integrated planning approaches and frameworks, such as the CBH nexus, are crucial to addressing these multidimensional challenges and creating holistic solutions for local and regional food systems. This is a paper-based dissertation that consists of three academic publications (two of which have been published and one that is under review).

This thesis is structured as three connected papers. The first paper adapts and applies the CBH nexus as a framework for integrated food systems planning, exploring the critical intersections between climate action, biodiversity conservation, and human health. It employs a qualitative, place-based approach to understand how food systems in the Comox Valley interact with these three domains. Through semi-structured interviews with regional stakeholders, the research identifies key challenges, strategies, and opportunities for aligning local food systems with broader sustainability goals. The study demonstrates the applicability of the CBH nexus to local planning efforts and highlights its potential for fostering resilient food systems in diverse community contexts.

The second paper uses participatory system mapping techniques to clarify the complexity of food systems, operationalising the CBH nexus. The study engages local stakeholders in the Comox Valley, including government, civil society, and agriculture representatives. The research demonstrates that participatory methods enhance stakeholder engagement and improve the relevance and practicality of the CBH nexus framework by grounding it in local knowledge and experiences. The findings of this paper reveal the multifaceted nature of food systems and underscore the importance of including diverse stakeholder perspectives in the planning process. The system mapping process helps visualize how different food systems strategies align or conflict with CBH objectives, offering a clear picture of the system and action-supporting tool for community planning.

The final paper applies the CBH nexus to a policy evaluation of local food systems strategies in the Comox Valley. It analyzes existing regional policies, programs, and plans, identifies gaps and opportunities for more integrated and sustainable approaches to food systems planning. The research highlights the importance of aligning food system policies with climate action, biodiversity conservation, and public health objectives. While several promising initiatives have been implemented, the findings suggest that more work is needed to integrate these three domains fully into local planning efforts. The CBH nexus offers a valuable framework for understanding the co-benefits and trade-offs of different food system strategies and identifying areas where policy improvements can be made.

Overall, this dissertation contributes to the growing knowledge on sustainable food systems by providing a comprehensive framework for integrated planning. The CBH nexus offers theoretical insights into the intersections of food systems, climate, biodiversity, and health and serves as a practical tool for guiding policy development and community-based planning. The research demonstrates the value of participatory approaches and provides actionable recommendations for fostering resilient, sustainable, and equitable food systems.