Kristof van Assche and Monica Gruezmacher will talk about how northern regions must deal with a series of problems exclusive to the North and how this often means they are in a constant mode of damage control. They will argue that northern communities need integrated resilience strategies for their development, and that such strategies need to have the character of local plans. For this to happen, a redefinition or reorientation of key terms is required however, with resilience taking on local attributes, planning understood as pro-active local design, and governance seen as an always local northern bricolage.

Welcome remarks and session moderation will be provided by Jeff Birchall (University of Alberta), Thematic Network Lead. This session is supported by the School of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Alberta.

Date and time
Mon, May 16, 2022
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EEST

Location
Online event

Agenda
10:00 - 10:05 Welcome remarks
10:05 - 10:45 Research talk
10:45 - 11:00 Audience questions

Kristof van Assche’s Bio:
Currently Professor in planning, governance and development at the University of Alberta, Kristof is also Senior Fellow, Bonn University (Center for Development Research (ZEF)) and a Research Fellow, Memorial University (Harris Centre for Regional Policy). Kristof is interested in evolution and innovation in governance, with focus areas in spatial planning and design, development and environmental policy. Kristof has worked in various countries, often combining fieldwork with theoretical reflection: systems theories, interpretive policy analysis, institutional economics, post-structuralism and others. Together with a few colleagues Kristof has developed Evolutionary Governance Theory (EGT), which aims to discern realistic modes of transition and reform, between social engineering and laissez faire.

Monica Gruezmacher’s Bio:
Monica is currently a Research Associate in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, as well as Teaching Assistant Professor in the School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University. Monica has a PhD from the Center for Development Studies at Bonn University, Germany. Monica is particularly interested in human-nature interactions; studying ways in which social changes bring about changes in the use and management of natural resources. For the past years Monica has been exploring the challenges of planning for long-term sustainability in rural communities of Western Canada and Newfoundland. Monica also has substantial experience in the Amazon region (particularly in Colombia where she is originally from).

To register for the session (and get the Zoom link), please visit the Eventbrite website.