Domain of study: Forest Management - Planning - Forest ecosystem dynamics Description of research: The maintenance of ecological services has become a global issue of interest in recent years by the increasing recognition that ecosystems provide benefits vital to the well-being of man. However, many challenges remain for the implementation of their valuation in the management of forest ecosystems in Quebec (Canada). This project will develop a better understanding of the short and long-term consequences of forest practices on various ecosystem services and that in different ecological and socio-economic contexts.
As part of this project, the student will be responsible of exploring the relationships existing between various indicators of environmental services (timber, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and socio-cultural values) taking into account the different spatiotemporal scales at which these indicators apply. The student will participate in the development of a model of forest planning and its coupling with spatially explicit models of natural disturbances (windthrow, insects, fire). The student will join a multi-institutional team of researchers in forestry and biology in Quebec (Laval, UQAM, UQAT, UQO, TELUQ, Ministry of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks and Chief Forester Office). A scholarship of Can$ 20,000/year will be available for 3 years. Ph.D. in forest sciences (Québec - Laval University) Note that although the language of instruction at Université Laval is French, one's thesis may be written in English. Profile of potential candidates: - Hold a M.Sc. in forest science, biology, environmental science, geography, or related discipline. - Have a strong interest in quantitative ecology and modeling. Have some knowledge of geographic information systems would be an asset. Interested candidates can send a CV, transcript of academics records and an introduction letter to: Frédéric Raulier. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Professeur titulaire, Aménagement Forestier Faculté de foresterie, de géographie et de géomatique 2405 rue de la Terrasse Université Laval, Québec, Canada, G1V 0A6 Pavillon Abitibi-Price, local 2145B Téléphone : (418) 656-2131 ext 6742 http://www.sbf.ulaval.ca/index.php?id=432 ---------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.rec.ulaval.ca/lce/securite/confidentialite.htm
