In a city like Vancouver—where forests, rivers, and urban spaces blend into one another—coexisting with wildlife is not just inevitable, it’s a civic responsibility. We are living in a city, in a country, where we must learn how to live with and protect the wildlife who share our environment. This is a civic matter—one that calls for awareness, education, and collective action to safeguard the ecosystems that surround and sustain us.

In this interview, environmental researcher and community educator Pourya Sardari offers an insightful look into how immigrant communities can play a meaningful role in protecting biodiversity and fostering a respectful relationship with nature.

Pourya, a PhD student in environmental and social sciences at the University, is also the founder of a Vancouver-based nonprofit focused on wildlife education and outreach. The organization began by working with Persian-speaking newcomers and is now expanding to serve other multilingual immigrant communities across British Columbia.

“Wildlife isn’t just about animals,” he says. “It includes everything from plants to fungi—organisms that exist without human interference. They are our neighbors.”

Through personal stories—like watching a bear roam his North Shore backyard while calmly teaching his children to observe from a safe distance—Pourya illustrates how everyday encounters with wildlife can become powerful moments of learning and empathy.

He also warns about the consequences of misguided behavior. In one powerful example, he recalls the case of coyotes in Stanley Park that had to be euthanized after becoming aggressive due to tourists feeding them. “Good intentions can sometimes lead to irreversible harm,” he explains. “Understanding the rules, the science, and the ethics of interacting with wildlife is crucial.”

Pourya's nonprofit fills a gap where government agencies and large environmental organizations often fall short: culturally sensitive outreach. His team uses social science and multilingual engagement to meet newcomers where they are—providing tools to navigate local conservation laws, such as hunting and fishing regulations, and encouraging urban practices like harvesting backyard fruit to avoid attracting bears.

The conversation also touches on deeper questions: What does it mean to care for the land as a new resident? How do we integrate environmental stewardship into immigrant life, often filled with financial stress and cultural adjustment?

“Environmental priorities don’t have to wait,” Pourya says. “They can walk with us as we build new lives.”

He urges communities to approach wildlife not with fear or indifference but with curiosity and care—and to see environmental action not just as personal but political. “Our relationship with nature reflects our values as a society. If we ignore that, we lose more than species—we lose connection.”

As wildfires, climate change, and urban development intensify, Pourya’s message rings clear: coexistence is no longer optional. It’s the future of responsible citizenship.

Sherry ends:

Living with wildlife is not a choice—it’s a reality of life in Vancouver and many cities across Canada. Recognizing this as a civic responsibility invites all of us—especially newcomers—to engage thoughtfully with the natural world around us. By learning, respecting, and acting together, we can build a more compassionate, connected, and environmentally responsible society.