Latest News

A Year in Review

One year ago on September 15th, the UNESCO designation was announced. This was the beginning of the work ahead.

Ruth SimonsSeptember 13, 2022HSBRIS, UNESCO

Canada's Enhanced Legacy Program invests in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region

Exciting News! Federal funding announced on September 1st boosts biodiversity conservation in the Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound biosphere region.

Ruth SimonsAugust 31, 2022OECM

Rockfish monitoring

Monitoring of Rockfish populations in Howe Sound helps to inform conservation measures. These slow-growing fish are colourful, and their survival is an indicator of how well we are protecting our ocean.

Ruth SimonsAugust 31, 2022Marine, OECM, Research, Biodiversity

Searching for Wex̱és (frogs) on Cha7élkwnech/Gambier Island

Did you know that the Coastal Tailed and Northern Red-Legged frogs are species at risk? A team of researchers is currently working on Chá7elkwnech (Gambier Island) to gather important data, filling in gaps on the presence of species at risk.

Ruth SimonsAugust 9, 2022Biodiversity, Terrestrial, Research, OECM

Our Summer Ambassador - Meet Sophie

Meet Sophie Cheshire, our summer Ambassador for the Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Ruth SimonsMay 10, 2022HSBRIS, Tourism, Capilano University

Connecting Youth to Nature and Community

Connecting youth with nature is a key goal for UNESCO Biosphere Regions and community-based learning is an objective for Capilano University. Working together we are seeing the results for students and instructors.

Ruth SimonsApril 15, 2022Capilano University

Spring 2022 - Network gathering at Totem Hall

On March 29, 2022, representatives of twenty-one non-government nature-based organizations were welcomed to Sḵwx̱ wu7mesh Úxwumixw, TotemHall at Stamus Village in Squamish. The sun was shining and the snow-capped mountains were in full glory.

Ruth SimonsMarch 31, 2022Biodiversity, Partners, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw

Creating a management plan for the Biosphere Region

Our plan is called the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan. Contents of the plan will be co-created with First Nations, multi-sectoral stakeholders, and local communities through a collaborative, participatory approach.

Ruth SimonsJanuary 25, 2022HSBRIS, UNESCO

Feature Fundraising Campaign - SEARCHING FOR SLHAWT' (HERRING) in the Squamish Nation territory

Live Where you Give Campaign is raising money to help find SLHAWT' (HERRING) in the Squamish Nation territory.

Ruth SimonsNovember 19, 2021Marine, Biodiversity, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, HSBRIS

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).

Ruth SimonsSeptember 30, 2021HSBRIS, UNESCO

Designation Celebrated

A celebration on September 18th, 2021 was held to mark the official UNESCO designation of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound as Canada’s 19th Biosphere Region. The event took place at the Gleneagles Clubhouse and Banquet Hall in West Vancouver.

Ruth SimonsSeptember 18, 2021HSBRIS, UNESCO, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region: What’s Next?

A commitment to conservation and sustainable growth. As we continue our work with Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, our non-profit Society is responsible for managing and maintaining the UNESCO designation. Our role is to support programs and initiatives that contribute towards the objectives and build consensus with the many sectors in the region.

Ruth SimonsSeptember 16, 2021HSBRIS, UNESCO

September 15th, 2021 Media Release

Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound, an area renowned for its rich Indigenous culture, biodiversity and distinct geography, has become Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region, the International Coordinating Council for the Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB-ICC) announced today.

Ruth SimonsSeptember 15, 2021HSBRIS, UNESCO

World Oceans Day 2021 Celebrations

Together with partners around the sound, we come together to share in events in celebration of UN World Oceans Day. Events for all ages starting with an Art Challenge for youth, and online events June 7th and 8th.

Read more

Ruth SimonsJune 8, 2021Marine, Biodiversity, UNESCO

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.

Ruth SimonsMay 19, 2021Biodiversity

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.

Ruth SimonsDecember 2, 2020Marine, Biodiversity

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.

Ruth SimonsOctober 14, 2020Marine, Biodiversity

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.

Ruth SimonsSeptember 22, 2020HSBRIS, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw

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.

Ruth SimonsSeptember 22, 2020HSBRIS, UNESCO

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.

Ruth SimonsAugust 6, 2020HSBRIS, UNESCO