Socio-cultural Values Mapping Research is a new project at the Institute of Island Studies, UPEI, that generates basic informationon how geographic sites are most valued by residents and non-resident landowners. This data will augment physical, biological and economic information and provide critical planning resources necessary for making decisions about community development and adaptation. The province of PEI, being an island, offers a manageable geographic space with clear boundaries and jurisdictional powers within which to conduct research that can model and provide insights into issues of social, ecological and economic concern.  As climate change unfolds, Prince Edward Islanders will be vulnerable to impacts of sea level rise, salt water intrusion, and erosion.  Islands will also increasingly be active sites for research into climate change impacts and human responses, and UPEI is part of a community examining and modeling these adaptations.  

For more information about the Institute of Island Studies, please visit the institute's website, and direct any questions to Dr. Irene Novaczek, Director of the Institute, by phone, 902-566-0386 or email (inovaczek_at_upei.ca).