Mary Beckie

 As an academic researcher, consultant, and community activist, Mary’s work over the past fifteen years has focused on sustainable development, particularly as relates to agriculture and rural communities. Following the completion of her doctorate in 2000 from the University of Saskatchewan, Mary worked overseas as part of a research team at the University Wales that coordinated an extensive interdisciplinary research project on sustainable rural development, funded by the European Commission. Upon returning to Canada, she served one year as coordinator of the Craik Sustainable Living Project, a unique and collaborative initiative by the Town and Rural Municipality of Craik in south central Saskatchewan. Mary’s initial involvement with The Natural Step came as a result of developing a proposal for an integrated sustainable community plan for Craik. Working with TNS sustainability advisors, a planning process was formulated for this small rural community. Mary also worked with the Natural Step’s community learning and engagement process in a larger urban venue, during her involvement with Road Map 2020, a sustainability initiative taking place in Saskatoon. This year, in addition to becoming an associate with The Natural Step, Mary has also commenced an appointment as Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Extension, Unit of Government Studies, at the University of Alberta. Her position at the University will focus on teaching and research in the areas of sustainable communities and community-based resource management.