Fall 2017 Inaugural Network Meeting
On October 2, 2017, our Society hosted the first gathering of Conservation groups from around the biosphere region. Participants included the Squamish Environment Conservation Society, the Squamish River Watershed Society, Squamish Streamkeepers, Bowen Island Conservation Association, Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, Gambier Island Conservancy, Keats Island Conservancy, Ocean Wise, Friends of Forage Fish Society and representatives from the Squamish Nation.
The event took place at the Cheakamus Centre in the heart of the Squamish Valley on the unceded lands of the Squamish Nation people. It was an inspiring setting for experiencing Squamish Nation land and building relationships.
As a result of the day-long gathering, key opportunities arose for the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society's role as the convenor of the Network - to create a community external entity that identifies issues/solutions to empower individual communities and share stories.
Discussions resulted in these key issues to work on together:
Track monitoring where there are gaps to fill for science-based decision-making.
Ensure the story of recovery is continuous.
Build Capacity - attract funding and generate new volunteers to take on projects and increase participation and conservation efforts.
Maintain relevance - ensuring work and projects are timely and meeting initial intent.
Set strategic priorities collaboratively and meaningfully.
Through education, communication, and managing media relations ensure key points are on message, effectively using current technologies to communicate with a target audience.
Build relationships and maintain trust through sharing current knowledge and resources, specifically with First Nations.
Promote sustainability and best management practices, making the best choices for a sustainable world—balance concerns for social equity and economic development as well as conservation.
Share learnings from Canada’s UNESCO Biosphere Regions
