Olivier Côté

Olivier Côté is a biologist, teacher and researcher at the Centre collégial de transfert technologique (CCTT) Écofaune boréale, a college center for technology transfer in ecoresponsible innovation in the leather, fur and by-products sector. The CCTT places particular emphasis on ecoresponsibility, sustainable development and the circular economy in its various research projects.

The activities of this research center, affiliated with the Cégep de Saint-Félicien, are linked to the integral valorization of wildlife by-products, which implies the development of innovative tanning techniques, a restructuring of the tanning industry (ethical and responsible sourcing) and the optimization of the use of trapped, hunted or slaughtered animals through the complete utilization of their various parts (meat, skin, glands, fat, etc.).

Olivier's various projects within the CCTT team aim to understand and take into account the issues faced by stakeholders and the territories subject to wildlife harvesting activities, to ensure the quality of products and services that can be derived from these activities, as well as the equitable distribution of local benefits linked to the processing of wildlife by-products. His studies for a double master's degree in environment at the Université de Sherbrooke and his time at the Université de Technologie de Troyes in France for a master's degree in Ingénierie et Management de l'Environnement & Développement durable have greatly influenced the way he designs and manages projects, integrating users and their needs right from the design phase.

Alongside his work as a researcher, Olivier Côté dit Brodeur is involved in the cultural milieu of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region as a storyteller. For several years now, he has been practicing various live art media, which enable him to use the narrative approach, foresight and storytelling to popularize scientific concepts and develop mediation approaches to encourage the integration of stakeholders in his projects. Her research and technical assistance work with various First Nations on wild fur processing has enabled her to develop innovative and stimulating methods for rethinking the development of wildlife and territories.