Clayoquot Biosphere Trust Plans Inclusive Knowledge Hub and UNESCO Visitor Centre

The CBT is incredibly grateful for the Island Coastal Economic Trust's (ICET) contribution to the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. You can read the full press release below or directly on the ICET website.

Clayoquot Biosphere Trust-led initiative to establish significant economic development, education and training opportunities in Tofino.

Tla-o-qui-aht Ha-houlth-ee, Tofino, BC, February 27, 2025 – Clayoquot Biosphere Trust has received a new investment from Island Coastal Economic Trust toward the construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. The Centre is moving toward the construction phase and will establish an innovative and inclusive space to foster economic development, promote sustainable tourism, and inspire social innovation.

The Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre will enhance local stewardship and encourage intergenerational knowledge transfer through this new investment with the Trust contributing to funds raised from private donors and government grants.

Designed to meet rigorous Living Building Challenge standards, the 10,500 sq. ft. Centre will incorporate a construction process focused on improving the relationship between people, nature, and the built environment and utilize a mass timber design. Key features will include systems that reduce embodied carbon, non-combustion-based heating and geothermal energy, and rainwater collection. The Centre will house a teaching kitchen, meeting rooms, a research library, office spaces, and two long-term apartment rentals, along with the long-anticipated United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere Visitor Centre.

Community collaboration is at the heart of the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust’s project. Through ongoing engagement, local stakeholders and nuučaanuł First Nations will shape the Centre’s activities and programming. The facility will offer education, certification and upskilling opportunities, including culinary arts, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge sharing. By creating culturally safe spaces, including a planned Elders room and Elder-in Residence program, the Centre will support language revitalization and knowledge transfer of traditional stories and skills.

The Clayoquot Biosphere Trust stewards the UNESCO biosphere designation and is the only organization in Canada that is both a community foundation and a UNESCO biosphere region. Situated on the traditional territories of the hiškʷiiʔatḥ (Hesquiaht First Nation), ʕaaḥuusʔatḥ (Ahousaht), ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations), Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government (Ucluelet First Nation), and tukʷaaʔatḥ (Toquaht Nation) First Nations, the Biosphere region is home to some of the last remaining old-growth temperate rainforests in the world.

Construction of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre is set to begin in 2025, with a targeted completion date in 2026. More information about the Centre’s progress is available on the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust website.

Island Coastal Economic Trust is investing with Clayoquot Biosphere Trust into the new Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre through the Capital and Innovation Program. The Trust will contribute $200,000 towards a total new investment in the region of $13,947,686. This investment aligns with the Trust’s Training and Advanced Education impact priority.

Quotes about the project:

“As Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, we’re deeply grateful for the Trust’s investment in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Centre. Situated in our traditional territory, the Centre will foster economic reconciliation and promote understanding of our region’s cultural significance, ensuring a lasting legacy for youth and future generations.” – Lorena Frank, CBT Director and Biosphere Centre Development Committee member appointed by ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ (Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation)

“The construction of the Biosphere Centre is a vital step toward equity and reconciliation, fostering economic opportunities and cultural inclusion. Through collaboration and thoughtful design, it will create a space that supports diverse community needs and long-term regional prosperity at a time when building our local economy is more important than ever.” – Rebecca Hurwitz, Executive Director, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

“This Clayoquot Biosphere Centre will create so many incredible opportunities for education, sustainable tourism, research, and economic development – grounded in the values of our communities and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.  I can’t wait to see this project come to life.” –.Hon Josie Osborne, MLA, Mid Island-Pacific Rim

“Partnering with Clayoquot Biosphere Trust on this major project investment is a unique opportunity for our organization to invest in a tourism, advanced education, environmental stewardship, and economic development opportunity in a rural coastal community. The active partnership and participation with the five nuučaanuł First Nations spanning the UNESCO Biosphere Region is a vital feature of this project, providing multiple pathways for meaningful collaboration in the years ahead.” – Brodie Guy, CEO, Island Coastal Economic Trust.

Media Contacts

Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca

Rebecca Hurwitz
Executive Director
250-725-2219
rebecca@clayoquotbioosphere.org