Tazim Nazarali Spotlight: Taking a Holistic Perspective on the Value of Nature

What motivated you to pursue the Master of Conservation Leadership program, and what specific areas of conservation are you focusing on? How does your current work/career fit into this? 

Professionally, I am seasoned public servant with 20 years experience working with all three levels of government. Majority of my career has been in a leadership role with Alberta Parks supporting the organization through various roles including business partnership development, financial sustainability and divisional data analytics and information management needs. In a professional sense, my work is highly entrenched in the value of parks and protected areas through an economic and financial lens.  

On a personal level, I value nature acknowledging that I am a part of it, not apart from it. Nature, in a very broad sense holds boundless social, cultural and historical capital and is key in the regenerative economy. Aside from the intrinsic conservation value of parks and protected areas, nature is also a therapeutic landscape. Topics such as ecotherapy, biophilia and biophilic design and nature-based lessons such as the gifting economy are true areas of passion for me that led me down the path of the Master in Conservation Leadership program. 

Having a more holistic perspective on the value of nature that this program has offered, makes me a more rounded and invested leader aptly ready to communicate such benefits to engaged audiences and evidence-based decision-making.  

 Throughout your time in the program, have you encountered any insights or revelations about conservation practices or challenges that have influenced your perspective? 

Here are a few things I learned through the program:  

• It is one thing to study from a textbook. It is quite another to stand on a landbase, experiencing its narrative through guided leadership.  
• Western science, while highly valued, is but one language to study nature. There is much to learn and apply by studying and investing in Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the spirit of ethical space and two-eyed seeing.  
• Beyond conservation values, nature is a healer. We see this actualized through programs such as ParksRX and Healthy Nature, Healthy People. I think there is a much larger role for holistic healing practices in our current economy and opportunities to support underserved populations.  

Reflecting on your journey so far, what accomplishment within your studies and career are you most proud of, and why?  

I’ve always been interested in the public good and value the principles of “peace, order and good governance”. Looking back at my career now, I realize that my time in parks and protected areas is more than a job. I wouldn’t call it pride, rather kismet for bringing me back to nature as introduced through my career. In terms of my studies, I am thankful to have had access to the wisdom of conservation leaders at the forefront of change. Considering pride, I am happy that I took a chance to delve deeper into my own personal interests. It is easier to take the paved path, but the ones weaved in tree roots and soft earth below seem much more rewarding. 

What personally motivated you to pursue a career in conservation leadership, and how do you envision yourself making a difference in this field in the future? 

My career path as described above is steeped in a passion primarily starting with public service. I hold a degree in Political Science and another in Communication Studies. My return to nature has been through happy circumstance. It has reminded me that while my personal bottom line hopes to afford some level of financial stability, my true values are on the other side of the paned window. The work at my desk, serves a purpose to support not only the next generation but perhaps seven down the road. 

Is there a hobby, interest, or unique aspect of your personality that you find brings balance to your academic pursuits in conservation leadership? If so, could you share a bit about it? 

I love the outdoors. Whether it’s through solo hikes with my dogs, or with my family and friends, I love the grounding feeling of my feet on a good trail watching the seasons change. I am an avid camper both front country and backcountry and love to garden. When I am not outdoors, my happiest spaces include cozy reading nooks with a new read, at my desk writing or singing just about anywhere.