Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society
Promoting People, Planet, and Prosperity.
“In the future desired state for the Átl’ḵa7tsem/ Howe Sound ocean and watershed, the marine and terrestrial realms will function properly through integrated ecosystems. This foundation will support an inclusive, equitable society and resilient economy where humanity and nature thrive.”
— November 2022 Future of Howe Sound forum visioning exercise led to this vision statement.
The Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society was registered as a non-profit organization in 2017. In April 2024 our organization became a registered Charity. Together with many organizations at work in the region we share a passion for the natural beauty, incredible biodiversity, rich cultural heritage, and great sustainable economic potential of Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound.
Our Purposes
To protect the environment of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region by sharing and distributing information on best practices for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity, and by researching, monitoring and conserving wetland, wildlife, and habitat;
To advance education by developing or providing educational programs on the subjects of environmental issues, United Nations' sustainable development goals and biosphere reserves, as well as by conducting research on eco systems and biodiversity in the Howe Sound Biosphere Region;
To uphold Indigenous peoples and Indigenous treaty rights guaranteed by law, that are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples by organizing forums and conferences to increase the public's knowledge about reconciliation, Indigenous rights and culture, and share traditional knowledge and views that strengthen collaboration with 5kwxwü7mesh Uxwumixw Nation; and
To undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above charitable purposes.
Our Mission
We facilitate and support the organizing and planning of complex activities that bring allegiance to balancing development, conservation, and equity in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region.
Our Vision
An Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound where humanity and nature thrive.
Our Values
In our mission, we are guided by the following values and frameworks:
Appreciation: We seek to recognize the best in people and places that surround us, to honour the history, stories and culture of those that came before us, and to value, protect, and celebrate those things that give us life.
Mutual Respect: We are open and adaptive in our interactions across cultural differences, acknowledging that all knowledge systems are validated and equally respected – that no worldview is above another.
Collaboration: We are unwavering in our desire to strengthen relationships and trust among people and communities, working together transparently and with care, to build our collective capacity for the benefit of the entire region.
Creativity: We see the strengths and possibilities in diversity and encourage the sharing of knowledge, ideas, and responsibility to co-create the innovative solutions required to solve our challenges, together.
Our Focus
Generating Information & Capacity
We collaborate with many organizations around the region at work in the region to bridge environmental, economic, social, and cultural divides. Read about our projects funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
We share examples and stories of best practices at work by governments, businesses, and industry in the region and advocate for best practices to be a model Biosphere Region.
Through the lens of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we are exploring each goal in relation to the commitments, initiatives, projects and organizations contributing.
We seek financial investments contribute to our work. We build financial capacity through in-kind and financial contributions to support projects and project partners and long term conservation and protection of vulnerable ecosystems and habitats. Learn more here.
Building Networks & Consensus
With a comprehensive and unified plan for the Átl'ka7tsem/ Howe Sound Biosphere Region, the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan, we co-create with First Nations, multi-sectoral stakeholders, and local communities through a collaborative, participatory approach.
We work with academic partners to support field school activities by providing local perspectives and knowledge and connect academic groups to the many local citizen scientists and professionals conducting restoration and monitoring work in the region.
We convene the Howe Sound Community Forums, Ocean Watch Action Committee, Howe Sound Conservation Network, the Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Roundtable, and various topical educational webinars.
Increasing Connection to People & Place
Through participation on various committees in an advisory capacity we bring perspectives and information aligned with the Biosphere Region objectives into planning and help build consensus. We support furthering research and monitoring by helping identify gaps in information related to the region. Most importantly, we connect youth to nature through academic partnerships.
Our Frameworks
UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
Our Funders
Our work is made possible with the financial support of various grants, donations and other contributions.
Leave a lasting impact. Your gift supports stewardship, education, and ecological resilience for years/generations to come.
It’s a powerful way to protect the place you love - now and forever.
