LATEST NEWS
We are the solution: Celebrating Biodiversity
What is biodiversity? How can we all celebrate the UN Day for Biodiversity on May 22nd and every day.
Ask our Marine Ambassador - Jessica Schultz
We often have questions when walking near the water, at the beach, or on a boat. Jessica has spent hundreds of hours on and below the waters in Howe Sound. If you have a question, please ask.
Update on Howe Sound's Ocean Health
In early September, the Ocean Watch Átl’ḵa7tsem/Txwnéwu7ts/Howe Sound Edition 2020 was released. Produced by Ocean Wise this report provides renewed actions the community can embrace to improve ocean health.
Co-creating a Biosphere Region
We have committed to creating a culture of collaboration within our governance for the Al't’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region. We have embedded into our constitution a Squamish Nation co-Chair role on our board. Over time we strive to attract a balance of youth, diversity, and geographic representation to our board.
CCUNESCO endorses our nomination - Step 3/6 Complete!
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO has formally endorsed our nomination! Step three of six on the path to designation by UNESCO is complete.
The Path to UNESCO Biosphere Designation: Step Two Complete!
On July 29th, 2020, we sent our updated nomination package off to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO). We have now completed step 2 of 5 along the path to the designation.
UN World Ocean's Day and beyond
On Monday June 8th, Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound joins the rest of the world to celebrate our oceans on UN World Ocean’s Day. Marine champions in the region have organized many ways to take part in this celebration.
The Path to UNESCO Biosphere Region Designation: Step Two
We continue to edit and improve our nomination document responding to comments received from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. We are encouraged by the positive feedback, and focused on comments related to Governance and planning.
Community support during COVID 19
At this time, community organizations are vitally important for helping people in need during this pandemic. Donating to Community Foundations is an efficient way to ensure that donations are directed to organizations that can use funding the most.
The Canadian UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Network
The Canadian Biosphere Reserve Network of 18 UNESCO Biosphere Reserves represents the country's geographic, climatic ecological, economic, and cultural diversity.
Vessels of Concern & Marine Debris Workshop
On February 28th, Vessels of Concern and Marine Debris Workshop brought representatives from Federal and local governments, citizen groups, and NGO’s to learn and workshop complex issues for keeping our waterway and coastline in Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound pollution-free.
The Path to UNESCO Biosphere Designation: Step One Complete!
On December 2, 2019 Joyce Williams representing the Squamish Nation and project lead Ruth Simons delivered the Atl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region nomination document at the offices of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO in Ottawa accompanied by our new MP Patrick Weiler. Step one of the process is complete!
Biosphere Nomination Update - We're Heading to Ottawa!
The final drafts of the Nomination document for submission to the Canadian Commission for UNESCO are coming to conclusion. Handing over the final document will be December 2nd in Ottawa.
Fall 2019 Howe Sound Community Forum
On October 25th elected representatives, government staff and non-government organizations with an interest in the Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region are coming together in the spirit of cooperation at the Cheakamus Centre north of Squamish. This forum is hosted by the District of Squamish on the traditional territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw.
Summer update on the path to nomination
The lengthy nomination document is now drafted and out for review and endorsement with a number of agencies. During the months of September and October, we will be out in the Howe Sound communities and conducting webinars to explain our proposal and to answer questions.
UNESCO EuroMAB conference April 2019
Howe Sound was represented together with over 200 participants from more than 30 countries at the 16th EuroMAB conference hosted by the Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve in Dublin Ireland. This was an opportunity to exchange views and look at ways to integrate nature conservation with sustainable development.
The Nomination Process
Our goal is to have a completed nomination for UNESCO in Paris by the fall 2019. The nomination process is a challenge in itself, but actually being a biosphere reserve means living up to UNESCO objectives and the particular strategies of the MAB Programme itself.
Howe Sound Sustainable Development Forum: Summary Report
Howe Sound Sustainable Development Goals Forum took place September 28th, 2018 at the Gleneagles Golf Club House in West Vancouver. Lively dialogue among the 90 attendees that included elected and campaigning municipal candidates, industry representatives,
August 2018 Update
The atrium at the Gibsons Public Market was an ideal location for Ruth Simons to provide a summer update for the public on the Biopshere Region Initiative.
