The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust's Regional Forum: Highlights and Insights from October 2024

Regional Forum Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

On October 24, 2024, the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust (CBT) brought together a mix of participants for a gathering on ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations) territory at TinWis. This gathering was all about fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and building strong, collaborative relationships. Attendees included representatives from First Nations, local governments, and organizations involved in environmental research, stewardship, restoration, and sustainable development. 

What we heard: representatives from 25 groups shared updates on their current projects and priorities, identifying opportunities for collaboration and deeper alignment with community values. These roundtable updates showcased the inspiring work taking place across the region and set the stage for ongoing partnerships. 

The afternoon breakout sessions featured engaging discussions on key topics such as youth involvement, regional climate action, and data management and sovereignty. Each conversation brought forward fresh ideas and strategies, sparking energy for collective action. 

Where do we go from here? The CBT is incredibly grateful for the interest and enthusiasm that participants brought to the forum. Looking ahead, we are excited to host future gatherings with a focus on smaller group discussions and more informal time to connect, while continuing the valuable practice of roundtable updates. 

Got feedback, questions, or ideas? Reach out to Janessa, CBT's Conservation Partnership Coordinator, at janessa@clayoquotbiosphere.org.  

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