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Vital Signs

Every two years, the CBT publishes a report on the state of many different indicators of the health of our communities and ecosystems.

First published in 2012, the Vital Signs report has become a go-to source for local information and stories. It’s a great place to bring together data from the CBT research projects (such as Living Wage), projects of other non-profit and academic groups, as well as data from public sources such as the hospital, the RCMP, and Statistics Canada, to get a big-picture view of the changes happening in our region. We present key findings of the report to local First Nations, municipal governments, and organizations with an aim to inspire meaningful data-driven Vital Conversations (see below) and encourage specific action in priority areas. 

We also use the Vital Signs report to track regional progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, we identify local initiatives that address poverty, fight inequality, improve education, support biodiversity, initiate partnerships, and identify climate change solutions. 

2021 Feature Report

Vital Snapshot on Tourism

Research plays a vital role in the CBT’s advocacy for community and ecosystem health. This Vital Snapshot builds on our Vital Signs research program by examining the holistic impacts of tourism in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region. We hope this report will influence positive changes in the tourism sector through advocacy and policy change. Tourism can be a driver for healthy community development but only when local communities and all rights and stakeholders are involved in its design.

Our research efforts are carried out in collaboration with our community to make a difference locally, nationally, and internationally. Thank you to all of the contributors.

Read the Report
Vital Conversation

Sustainable Tourism

In April 2019, we teamed up with the District of Tofino to host a Vital Conversation about sustainable tourism with district staff, First Nations leaders, youth, health workers, tourism operators, and non-profit leadership. We used the 2018 Vital Signs report as a platform to discuss how Tofino’s tourism economy interrelates with community life and to consider this experience through the lens of varied community stakeholders.

To learn more, you can read the report, check out the summary presentation slides, or watch the video of the event

Vital Conversation

Youth

In December 2019, we co-hosted a Youth Vital Conversation with the Coastal Family Resource Coalition. Using data from our Vital Signs report as a starting point, approximately 50 teens from Maaqtusiis and Ucluelet Secondary Schools discussed how to make our region a better place to grow up. They shared thoughts on quality education, personal and professional development, mental health, substance use, transportation, recreational programming, and many other topics. The day featured drumming and signing, a Nuu-chah-nulth prayer at lunch, and a screening of Finding Solitude Film, all led by youth attendees.

Read a summary and analysis of the data gathered during the event as compiled by participants of CBT's Leadership Vancouver Island program.