LATEST NEWS
Knowing our fish creeks in Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound
Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound has over 45 recorded fish-bearing creeks that drain into Howe Sound. We are scanning available information to we are maximizing conservation efforts to protect important fish habitat.
A Year in Review
One year ago on September 15th, the UNESCO designation was announced. This was the beginning of the work ahead.
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.
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.
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.
Our Summer Ambassador - Meet Sophie
Meet Sophie Cheshire, our summer Ambassador for the Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read More.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.