Beatrice Frank

With over 20 years of experience in environmental conservation, Beatrice has developed a diverse skill set by braiding Western sciences with Indigenous knowledge. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in conservation biology at the University of Rome, Italy, she pursued a PhD in conservation governance at Memorial University, Newfoundland. Her academic research has spanned from using habitat fragmentation theories to increase protected areas connectivity, to engaging multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders in complex discussions around wildlife and protected areas decision-making. For her postdoctoral fellowship, Beatrice worked with the 39 Tribal Nations residing in Oklahoma and government representatives to enhance local Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities’ resiliency and adaptive capacity toward climate change.

Because of her expertise in conservation science and policy, as well as her dedication to advance strategic outcomes, Beatrice was hired by Regional Parks at the Capital Regional District (CRD) of Victoria, British Columbia, to work on protected areas governance and implementation. She has since continued amplifying area-based conservation initiatives by supporting Indigenous communities across Canada as the Senior Manager for Resilient Habitats at WWF Canada.

Beatrice’s work has spanned multiple sectors, from academia and government to non-profits, consulting, and Indigenous collaboration. Working with and for Indigenous communities has impacted her deeply, has exposed her to intergenerational knowledge and values, and taught her to listen with care, communicate with mindfulness and practice with reciprocity. Through these extensive collaborations, she has gained a nuanced understanding of environmental policy, governance, and advocacy, always focusing on equity, fairness, mutual learning and respectful, innovative, and inclusive approaches.

Beatrice is originally from Italy and is grateful to be a guest on the unceded and traditional territories of the Lkwungen (Lekwungen), Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land and water continue to this day. She loves running, walking and just being at the Salish Sea with her dog, family and friends.