The RRECQ, in collaboration with the Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science (QCBS), the Society for Nature and Parks (SNAP Quebec), Biodiversité Québec, and the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife, and Parks (MELCCFP), is conducting a research project to assess the impact of the circular economy on biodiversity conservation.
What are the links between the circular economy and biodiversity?
Biodiversity, defined as the variability of living organisms from all sources, plays a fundamental role in the functioning of ecosystems and in the contributions they make to human societies (IPBES, 2019). Yet despite its recognized importance, it continues to decline at an alarming rate. This erosion is largely the result of our linear economic model, based on the “extract-produce-dispose” pattern. In response to this observation, the circular economy is theoretically presented as a promising approach to decoupling economic growth from resource exploitation and reducing pressure on biodiversity (Teigeiro et al., 2018). However, its real impacts on biodiversity still need to be discussed and explored in greater depth.
It is with this in mind that a transdisciplinary research project has been set up to strengthen understanding and integration of the links between biodiversity conservation and the circular economy. The project also aims to identify opportunities offered by the circular economy to reduce biodiversity loss by developing a conceptual framework and to support decision-making in line with the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Quebec’s Nature Plan 2030. This project is part of a collaboration between several partners: RRECQ, QCBS, SNAP Québec, Biodiversité Québec, and MELCCFP.
A key stage of this project consists of an empirical study of these links, which can be conducted through several case studies developed as sub-projects in different sectors (construction, energy, mining, agri-food, etc.). These studies will provide a concrete analysis of how circular strategies can contribute to biodiversity conservation. They will thus provide a clearer picture of the potential impacts and synergies depending on the sectoral and regional contexts.
Ultimately, this work will lead to concrete recommendations to support decision-making with a view to stimulating circular practices while preserving biodiversity.
Opportunities:
Contribute to the project by submitting your application (fall 2025 or winter 2026 session).
Research Axes:
- Area 1: Change and transition
- Area 3: Maximization of resources and products
- Area 4: Policy levers
Research Themes:
- Circular economy
- Biodiversity and ecosystems
- Conceptual framework
- Decision support
Project Scientific Committee:
Mathias Glaus (ÉTS), Marc Journeault (ULaval), Annie Levasseur (ÉTS), Emmanuel Benoit Raufflet (HEC), Daniel Normandin (RRECQ-CERIEC), Zahra Hosseini (RRECQ), Cathy Baptista (RRECQ), Andrew Gonzalez (McGill, QCBS), Fanie Pelletier (USherbrooke), Rim Khlifa (McGill, QCBS), Dominique Gravel (Biodiversité Québec), Alice De Swarte (SNAP Québec).
References:
IPBES. (2019). Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6417333
Teigeiro, S., Solar‐Pelletier, L., Bernard, S., Joanis, M., Normandin, D., & Richelle, Y. (2018). Économie circulaire au Québec: Opportunités et impacts économiques.
