New award funds work to improve sustainability of small-scale fisheries
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The results of the 2023 International Doctoral Research Awards have been announced and Navya Vikraman Nair, a PhD candidate in the School of Environment, Enterprise, and Development, has been selected as a recipient.
Her research focuses on the dynamic ecosystems of Chilika Lagoon, India. Her work seeks to uncover symbiotic relationships crucial to the sustainability of small-scale fisheries, concentrating between blue carbon environments and water quality.
“Receiving the award represents not just a recognition of my past accomplishments but also an affirmation of the significance of my ongoing research journey,” says Nair. “It fuels my determination to delve deeper into understanding and addressing complex societal and environmental challenges. I am excited to leverage this opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the field and to explore new horizons in interdisciplinary research of local communities.”
Navya is currently in South Asia conducting her doctoral field research. Integrating interdisciplinary approaches, she aims to provide insights that not only expand our understanding of coastal wetland dynamics but offer sustainable solutions that would consistently balance environmental conservation and the welfare of local communities.
“I am eagerly preparing for my field data collection in Chilika Lagoon, India. This pivotal phase will allow me to immerse myself in the rich ecological and social tapestry of the lagoon, gathering firsthand insights and observations that will inform and enrich my study on the linkages between blue carbon ecosystems and water quality in coastal wetlands,” she says.
The 2023 International Doctoral Research Awards recognizes the research skills in Canada and the Global South, with the potential to enhance the lives of people in developing regions. It is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Each doctoral student receives up to $20,000. She is one of the 25 doctoral students from 12 Canadian institutions that was recognized for this award.
Congratulations Navya!
