MA (University of British Columbia)
Associate Faculty, Master of Science/Master of Arts in Environment and Management program.

Erik Karlsen is a professional land use planner who has over 35 years experience in advisory through to management level positions in federal, provincial, regional and local levels of government and the private sector. He has focused on developing and implementing practical institutional responses to achieve environmental protection in association with the achievement of social and economic well-being. This has involved lead roles in the development and implementation of policies, legislation; processes, best planning and management practices; as well as supporting institutional, funding and technical programs.

Erik is a frequent speaker at major conferences, workshops and seminars. He has been involved in cross border work, involving the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative, and international work, including participation in a major seminar on sustainable development in the Pearl River Delta, held in Guangzhou in December 1997, and a workshop on environment institutional reform in Beijing in June 2002.

After almost 29 years with the British Columbia Provincial Government, Erik left the Provincial Government in 2002. He is now a consultant, member of advisory committees and active in teaching.

In recognition of his contribution to sustainable development planning and management in British Columbia, Erik has received public service awards from the Province of British Columbia (for partnership and change management) and from the Fraser Basin Council for leadership in sustainable development. In 2003 he was awarded a Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth from the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia for his community service in environment and sustainability. In 2004 he was elected as a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Planners for his outstanding contribution to planning in Canada.