PALS is informed by internationally recognised guidelines for working with communities and the critical data that helps our work create impact.

For all PALS projects: we observe the DIAL principles for sustainable, inclusive digital development and are simultaneously guided by FPIC, both as broadly defined by the UN and any locally specific jurisdictional definitions.

Our work is divided into pillars, each with specific focus areas.

Our pillars include:

  • Coastal Ecosystem Management

  • Mapping and Monitoring Locally Significant Areas

  • Local Disaster Preparedness and Response

Current projects

Pillar: Coastal Ecosystem Management | Focus Area: Mangrove Ecosystem Monitoring

Mapping Mangroves in Coastal Nigeria

Mangroves in SW Nigeria provide vital ecosystem goods and services to local communities around the town of Ilaje. Climate change and sea-level rise and the resulting mangrove loss are impacting livelihoods and displacing communities. PALS is supporting a UBC MSFM student from Ilaje produce mangrove maps which will guide community mangrove management and restoration efforts, in a bid to reverse mangrove loss and safeguard ecosystem goods and services while protecting biodiversity for the community of Ilaje.

*Photo credits: Daily Trust; Victor Zaviano

A shoreline with mud and wooden stilts sticking out of water, with a cluster of damaged houses and debris in the background under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a winding river flowing through a green landscape, with a bridge crossing over the water and a road running parallel to it.

Pillar: Mapping and Monitoring Locally Significant Areas | Focus Area: Supporting Protecting / Protected Areas

Supporting the Save Cable Bay initiative

The Cable Bay trail and surroundings to the south of Nanaimo, BC, Canada offers a splendid expanse of locally representative terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems - the area faces proposed plans for expanded residential development and industrial expansion. In close collaboration with savecablebay.org, PALS is actively helping guide UBC MGEM students in ongoing efforts to produce maps which help demonstrate the impact of proposed plans and potential alternative scenarios including public park expansion.

*Images below used with permission from Save Cable Bay

Person holding a beige reusable shopping bag with a green circular logo that features an otter holding a stick, with the text 'Save Cable Bay' and 'savecablebay.org' around the logo.
Map illustrating proposed development of Cable Bay with parks, industrial park, residential areas, roads, and a buffer zone near Joan Point Park, along with a scale and legend.
Map showing an alternative vision for Cable Bay with different land uses, trails, buffer zones, and access points around a bay area near the city of Nanaimo.
A large, charred tree trunk in a forest with green trees and foliage around.

Pillar: Mapping and Monitoring Locally Significant Areas | Focus Area: Supporting Biodiversity Assessments

Supporting Cable Bay biodiversity assessment

In close collaboration with savecablebay.org, PALS is actively helping guide UBC MGEM students in ongoing efforts to further assess biodiversity in the area.

*Images below used with permission from Save Cable Bay

A yellow sign attached to a tree with a bird illustration, warning to save wildlife trees for nesting and asking not to disturb the nest. The sign is from the Ministry of Forests and Lands.
A seal emerging from the water with its mouth open, showing teeth
An owl perched on a tree branch in a forest, with trunks and branches visible in the background.
A red octopus underwater among rocks and green seaweed.

Pillar: Coastal Ecosystem Management | Focus Area: Mangrove Ecosystem Monitoring

Community Ecological Literacy in Mozambique

Mangroves across the First and Second Islands of Mozambique provide the community with an important source of timber. PALS is supporting CIBIO Biopolis to map mangrove change in the area, compare the results with community perceptions, and identify ways to improve community ecological literacy regarding local mangroves.

*Photo credits: Ambiente Serviços Lda

A lush green wetland with water and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Group of people walking through a mangrove forest on a sandy path, with green trees in the background.
A woman walking along a dirt path in a wooded area, balancing a large container on her head; she wears a pink scarf and a patterned dress, with another person visible in the distance.
A man smiling in a green safety helmet and reflective vest, standing between rows of young plants in nursery bags, holding a device, under a green shade cloth in a tropical outdoor setting.

Pillar: Local Disaster Preparedness and Response | Focus Area: Fire Preparedness and Response

Mudge Island Citizen's Society (MICS)

MICS provides support for fire prevention, fire fighting equipment, and emergency services on Mudge Island in coastal British Columbia, Canada. In close collaboration with MICS, PALS is actively helping guide UBC MGEM students in ongoing efforts to create a digital fire preparedness and response map for MICS.

A large flat rock on the shoreline with moss and logs, next to a body of water, surrounded by dense evergreen trees.
A peaceful lakeside scene with a pebble beach, scattered logs, a small rocky outcrop, dense pine trees, and mountains in the distance under cloudy skies.
A rustic wooden cabin with a red roof in a forest clearing, surrounded by trees and moss-covered ground. There is a black vehicle parked nearby, along with outdoor furniture and some logs and rocks.
A blue house surrounded by tall trees with a metal roof, situated on a mossy, grassy slope.