The defining project of the Institute is entitled Green Links, which was initiated in April, 1996. The primary objective of this project is "to increase the ecological value and biodiversity of urban wildlife habitats and green spaces in the Lower Mainland" (Schaefer et al., 1997). Connecting (or "linking") fragmented urban habitats is the fundamental component of the Green Links project. Examples of urban habitat 'islands' which are isolated from each other include: regional and city parks, nature preserves, stream corridors, and ecological reserves. While these green spaces are important, they would be more ecologically valuable if connected.
A corridor network linking several significant habitat 'islands' leads to an increase in genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitat diversity (all three are collectively known as biodiversity). As species migrate along a corridor, interbreeding among populations occurs, allowing for greater genetic diversity within a population. Further, as a variety of habitats are connected throughout a corridor, there is an increase in the number of different species, which can be supported by the network as a whole.
The goal of Green Links is to establish a corridor network, which serves to link habitat 'islands', so that the overall ecological value of the ecosystem is strengthened.
