Editing GE3Ls

GE3LS is described on the Ontario Genomics website as investigating ‘questions at the intersection of genomics and society’, and as ‘providing stakeholders with the insights needed to anticipate the impacts of scientific advances in genomics, avoid pitfalls, cultivate success, and ultimately, contribute to Canada’s leadership in the 21st-century global bioeconomy’ (Ontario Genomics, accessed 04-11-2024).

Within the BearWatch project proposal GE3LS was included as ‘Evaluation, Mapping and Integration of Polar Bear Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit/Traditional Ecological Knowledge (IQ/TEK), Historical Records and Science’, with the goal of guiding faecal sampling and to develop a long-term and viable monitoring program using community based field collection and leading-edge genomics science (BearWatch research proposal, 2016 p.30). 

Along the way, the proposed activities under the GE3LS component were adjusted and in some cases downscales for feasibility purposes based on feedback from Research Committees and community feedback. Activities to ‘identify TEK gaps’ and ‘fill them’ (Schedule H report, March 2019) were narrowed to focus more on partner communities, through ‘case studies’ that would help inform broader suggestions on monitoring.