Official visit from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO

In September, following the official designation announcement, we welcomed a representitive from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Canadian Biosphere Reserve Network Association (CBRA).

Dr. Eleanor (Ellie) Haine, Sciences Program Officer, and our liaison at the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, travelled from Ottawa for a week-long tour of the Biosphere Region. This was an opportunity to show off the best of the region and to meet with people in the communities. Arriving in time for the Designation Celebration, Ellie was also joined by Dr. Pam Shaw of the Mt. Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and Rebecca Hurwitz, Chair of CBRA and Executive Director of the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Trust for the celebration.

The visit included Bowen Island, Squamish estuary, Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre in Gibsons, Whistler to tour with the First and Ice Sea to Sky Geopark team, and the celebration with Capilano University in Squamish. We look forward to hosting future delegations when travel is less restricted.

Upon reflection and as reported to the Secretary-General for CCUNESCO, Ellie sent this comment:

“I was really impressed by the quality of the relationships and partnerships you have built with all the stakeholders I met. I reported back to the team that I am convinced that the BR is in a great position to hit the ground running now you have achieved the designation.”