J\u00e9r\u00f4me Dupras holds the Canada Research Chair in Ecological Economics. His multidisciplinary career reflects his varied research interests: after completing a bachelor\u2019s degree in biochemistry, he continued his academic career in geography up to a PhD, after which he switched to biology for his post-doctoral fellowship.<\/p>\n
Amongst other things, the researcher specializes in environmental economics and the economic appraisal of ecosystem services. His projects aim to better understand and measure how biodiversity and ecosystems contribute to human well-being. His objective is to find solutions to ensure economic development with a view to combating the climate, environmental and biodiversity crises.<\/p>\n
It was during a backpacking trip in Costa Rica that he discovered a business model that continues to inspire him in his research projects. \u201cThe country is developing through ecotourism. One-third of the country\u2019s territory is protected and this is its main economic engine,\u201d he explains enthusiastically. This was a trigger for me: I discovered a conservation approach for development, a good seam to explore.\u201d<\/p>\n