Good News for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Project!

Wickaninnish Inn Donation for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

In a remarkable display of commitment to community and environmental stewardship, the Wickaninnish Inn has pledged an astounding $150,000 over the course of five years to support the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. In a generous gesture, they have already contributed $40,000 as their inaugural installment.

This significant backing from the Wickaninnish Inn holds great meaning for us as it underscores the support the local business community is providing for this vital initiative. We believe that the Wickaninnish Inn's dedication will inspire others to join hands in championing this essential project for the region.

The future Biosphere Centre, a beacon of education, science, conservation, and cultural initiatives on the West Coast, will play a pivotal role in fostering communities united around principles of reconciliation, youth empowerment, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. It is envisioned as a space to bring people together, creating a legacy of social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Through collaborative efforts to advance community health and safeguard ecosystems, we are working towards a future marked by a healthy environment and resilient communities.

With an estimated cost of $15 million, the Biosphere Centre has made significant progress thanks to philanthropic donors like the Wickaninnish Inn. The CBT is eagerly awaiting decisions on significant support from the federal and provincial governments including a Green & Inclusive Community Building (GICB) and a Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) application —all anticipated in the coming months. Our relentless focus is on fundraising to realize this visionary project.

The acquisition of land, rezoning, and completion of all building designs are now accomplished milestones. The next stage of the project is construction documentation, a 16-week process before construction, with the goal of completing the capital project by the end of 2026.

Together, let's build a sustainable, vibrant, and united future for our community and the environment! To learn more about the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre project, we invite you to connect with Michelle Hall at michelle@clayoquotbiosphere.org.

Announcing the 2024 Community Development Grants

July 23, 2024
We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Community Development grants. This year, five outstanding projects in our region have been awarded a total of $24,000 in funding. These grants are dedicated to fostering accessible, inclusive, healthy, supportive, equitable, and sustainable communities, helping to build a stronger and more united region.

Announcing the 2024 Research & Environment Grants

July 17, 2024
We're excited to announce the recipients of the 2024 Research and Environment grants. This year, the CBT awarded over $36,000 in funding to six inspiring projects in the region. These projects address threats to key species and ecosystems and uplift nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) ways of knowing. Efforts also focus on habitat conservation, restoration, and protection for ecologically and culturally important species and ecosystems.

Welcoming our 2024 Summer Intern

July 15, 2024
We're excited to welcome Zahur Ashrafuzzaman (she/he/they), our new summer intern who is already making valuable contributions to a variety of projects across the organization!

Our Team's Experience at EuroMAB 2024

June 11, 2024
In early June 2024, two members of the CBT team, Colin Robinson and Janessa Dornstauder had the opportunity to attend EuroMAB 2024 in the Elbe River Landscape, Germany – a UNESCO Biosphere. Because there are so few countries in North America, Canada, and the USA participate in the European network, while Mexico participates in the Latin network. Read more about their experience! 

Marcie Callewaert Reflects on her Leadership Journey

May 6, 2024
“Participating in LVI gave me back my leadership confidence that I had lost somewhere along the way. It was a great reminder of what I am capable of and provided me with tools to strengthen my skills as I move forward in new roles. Because of LVI, I took chances that I never would have taken just a few years ago and they paid off! I am so thankful for the community of support that LVI creates during the program and in the months and years afterwards."

Share the Fare: Elevating Sustainability for the Biosphere Centre

May 2, 2024
Harbour Air, renowned as the Pacific's premier seaplane airline, has recently forged a partnership that aims to redefine the skies. Collaborating with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT), Harbour Air's mission goes beyond flight; it's about flying with purpose, with its new support for the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre.

Harbour Air Expands Share the Fare Program to Include the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

April 10, 2024
arbour Air, North America’s largest seaplane airline, announced today its partnership with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) as part of its Share the Fare program. This collaboration underscores Harbour Air’s commitment to supporting coastal communities in British Columbia and advancing sustainable initiatives.

Join us for our Annual Biosphere Region BioBlitz!

April 2, 2024
On Saturday, April 20th, participate from anywhere within the biosphere region to celebrate the upcoming Earth Day! It’s an excellent opportunity to step outdoors and learn about the amazing biodiversity in the area.

Pani's Journey : From receiving CBT's Education Award to Pursuing Medicine at UBC

March 8, 2024
Pani Ayoubizadeh from Ucluelet received the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Education award in 2022 and is currently studying science at the University of British Columbia to become a cardiac surgeon. She has recently gotten in touch to share an update on her academic journey as well as her personal growth since receiving the award.

Grant Writing Workshop

January 26, 2024
Join this half-day workshop hosted in partnership with the West Coast N.E.S.T. (CBT's regional education tourism initiative) to learn effective grant writing and fundraising strategies.

Announcing the fall 2023 Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants!

December 6, 2023
We are excited to share this list of grass-roots community projects that received Culture Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) this past fall cycle. This has been our most successful cycle to date, with a total of 33 projects in the region, 15 projects for Clayoquot Sound NGS and 18 for Ahousaht NSG!