The West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association Invests $80,000 to Support Youth Across the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region

August 4, 2026

West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association Youth Investment Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Our partnership with the CBT allows us to invest in locally driven initiatives that reflect the priorities of West Coast communities. Together, we're helping create opportunities for young people to learn, lead, connect with culture and nature, and build the skills they'll carry into the future. By investing in youth, we are creating lasting benefits for our communities and the future of sustainable tourism. - Board of Directors, West Coast Sustainable Tourism Association

This marks the second consecutive year that the WCSTA has partnered with the CBT, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders, learners, and changemakers. Thanks to this contribution, the CBT was able to provide additional funding to 13 projects across the region.

Youth-focused grants received a record number of applications in 2026, reflecting a growing demand for programs that support wellbeing, education, and connection. This trend aligns with findings from CBT's Vital Signs research, which identified investing in youth as a key community priority.

The funded projects range from land-based learning with Elders and cultural programming to mental health supports and educational opportunities. Together, they will help hundreds of young people build skills, support their sense of belonging, and deepen their community connections. The initiatives will also strengthen relationships among First Nations, schools, families, community organizations, and local leaders.

One of the grant recipients, the Pacific Rim Hospice Society, shared how the funding will make a meaningful difference. “We are profoundly grateful to the WCSTA for this impactful two-year investment. This funding directly fuels vital mental health lifelines for grieving youth and their families. Grief can feel incredibly isolating, but this support ensures no young person has to navigate loss alone. It allows our clinical counsellor to meet youth exactly where they are, whether that means traveling to build trusted relationships in remote communities or supporting students on the ground. By combining professional one-on-one therapy with youth-led groups, we are creating safe, accessible spaces for healing. This generosity does more than fund a service; it builds a lasting community of care and resilience when our young people need it most," said Tarni Jacobson, Executive Director of the Pacific Rim Hospice Society.

As the local community foundation and the organization stewarding the UNESCO biosphere region designation, the CBT works closely with communities to turn local priorities into action. By combining research insights with the guidance of volunteer advisory committees, the CBT ensures that funding supports initiatives that address community needs and deliver meaningful benefits across the region.

Youth in the region are uniquely positioned, facing the challenges of living in remote communities that welcome visitors from around the world while also benefiting from the exceptional opportunities our region provides. The WCSTA funding enables the CBT to extend its support to even more youth-serving organizations across the region, amplifying their impact. Supporting youth is a key pillar of building a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous future for the region. - Jason Sam - Youth & Education Coordinator, Clayoquot Biosphere Trust

Together, each project will help strengthen the region by giving young people opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive. The CBT extends its sincere gratitude to the WCSTA for its continued leadership and generosity. By investing in youth today, they are helping lay the foundation for a sustainable future and strong communities for generations to come.

For more information about the CBT's Community Grant program, visit clayoquotbiosphere.org/grants.

To learn more about the WCSTA, visit wcsta.ca.

WCSTA Funded projects

Click on the titles below to learn more about each grant stream and the 2026 projects receiving funding. Each link will take you to a CBT blog post with additional details about the supported initiatives.

Youth & Education Grants