GETTING TO KNOW THE BIOSPHERE REGION

To build community efforts for biodiversity and habitat conservation and boost awareness of the biosphere region and why we are a UNESCO-designated site, we have taken to the world of online learning to reach and engage people from youth to seniors. This course is aimed at those who connect with visitors to this region in the tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality sectors. It is also a learning tool and resource for all.

From tour guides and front-desk staff to program planners or managers strategizing about responsible recreation initiatives, our Biosphere 101 course is a one-hour, seven-module, self-paced online course. See more FAQ’s below and watch this short video on how to sign up.

 

Become a Biosphere Ambassador

Complete all modules and earn an Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region 101 Certificate.

CLICK TO SIGN UP
 

  • An online, self-paced 7-Module course to help you and your colleagues better understand the biosphere region and communicate with your friends, colleagues and guests.

  • The course can benefit anyone, youths to seniors, involved in tourism, outdoor recreation and hospitality. It can especially benefit those who are involved in speaking with others (locals or visitors) who spend time outdoors, or those who plan activities in the biosphere region.

  • Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound has seen an incredible environmental recovery in recent decades, but we need to learn from the past and help the ongoing reconciliation with the land. It’s on each of us to play our part in that story whether we are a local or a visitor. This course helps put the biosphere region in context for this sector and explain why we are a UNESCO designated Biosphere Region.

    • Having an understanding of why the region is unique and special can translate into higher levels of awareness and appreciation of the environment for your guests.

    • Enhanced education on sensitive ecosystems, or times of year can help limit harm to species from irresponsible recreation through program/activity planning or guest communications.

    • Inspiration or ideas of ways to add value for operations or guest experience that is rooted in sustainability.

    • Alignment with a prestigious designation recognized by all levels of government and their agencies working in the region.

  • For 2025, we are offering the course through donations to our charitable organization. This course was developed in 2024/25 by the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

  • The course is hosted on the Thinkific platform. Users create their own Thinkific account and enrol through a product link. From there they can navigate through the course at their own pace. We will liaise with the person in your organization to keep you updated on enrolments and progress.

    At this time, any user completing the course can acquire a completion certificate by emailing us. Contact us if you’d like to be more involved in the distribution of this within your organization. admin@howesoundbri.org

  • If your organization has directed you to take the course, go to Step 2 to get started. Once you sign up you will receive next steps prompting you to begin.

    Step 1

    Donate to support our ongoing maintenance of this course. Recommended donation is $25.00 per user.

    Step 2

    Sign in to set up to Thinkific and then you can start your course.

    Step 3

    Contact admin@howesoundbri.org if you need support.

    You can watch this video on how to sign up.