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Fostering Collaboration: BC's UNESCO Biospheres Gather in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region

BC Biosphere Region Gathering Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere RegionPhoto credit: MABR

In early October, the three BC-based UNESCO Biosphere Regions gathered for knowledge sharing within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. This gathering was made possible thanks to support from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Canadian Biosphere Regions Association. 

The BC-based UNESCO Biosphere Regions work together on shared priorities including biodiversity conservation and climate action. By leveraging our unique strengths and priorities, we are able to collaborate and support each other’s efforts.  

The CBT team, and colleagues from Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region travelled to Snaw-Naw-As campground just outside Nanaimo, and were welcomed by knowledge keepers from the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation and Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region team. 

We enjoyed learning more about the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) projects through site visits. MABR's Public Outreach Centre (ts'xelikwshenawtxw) is an incredible new space for public outreach and for sharing about MABR and partner’s work. Nestled in the middle of Qualicum Beach, Heritage Forest is an important area that MABR and collaborators are protecting. We were also able to celebrate the unveiling of Qualicum First Nation artwork at the waterfront roundabout – an project that also included a significant stream restoration component. At our last stop, Snaw-naw-as Garden of Spiritual Healing, we reconnected with the Snaw-Naw-As First Nation knowledge holder who welcomed us and learn about how the Nation is preserving knowledge and language about native plant species, and promoting food security. 

CBT is grateful for the opportunity to experience the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and the community that makes it so special! We are also thankful for the chance to exchange ideas and stories with colleagues from these amazing regions. 

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Janessa Dornstauder is a settler who is grateful to call Ucluelet her home. Through her work with the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT), Janessa builds partnerships between the diverse groups and communities in the region to achieve common biodiversity conservation goals. She recently graduated from the Leadership Vancouver Island West Coast program, and she reflects on her journey in this blog post. Read more!

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Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Receives Transformational $1.2M Gift from the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation

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Ucluelet Co-op and FCL Donate $300,000 to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre

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Ucluelet Co-op and Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) are pleased to announce a joint donation of $300,000 to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre in Tofino, British Columbia. Ucluelet Co-op and FCL will each contribute $150,000 to this groundbreaking and innovative community project that will see the establishment of the Co-op Community Teaching Kitchen within the Centre.

What does the Living Wage mean to you?

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Join the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre Local Trades Fair! (PDF) 7.72 MB

November 15, 2024
Join the Biosphere Centre Local Trades Fair! We are actively seeking local contractors and tradespeople for various aspects of construction, with a strong emphasis on mass timber construction, sustainable building practices, local material procurement, Indigenous engagement and participation and workforce development and training. Collaborate on this project to make a lasting community impact by contributing to a transformative facility that honors local First Nations and prioritizes sustainable building practices. Click here for more details!

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