November 2024 - Network Gathering with Capilano University's Earthworks
On November 15th, the sixth Howe Sound Conservation Network event was held at the Squamish Campus of Capilano University. This event was in collaboration with Earthworks, a program that brings environmental education to campus through lectures and initiatives. Students, faculty, and conservation groups from around the Howe Sound region spent the day learning and discussing biodiversity conservation on topics ranging from global to local.
The morning started by acknowledging the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw people and how the work we do towards conservation is with respect for the Indigenous knowledge of the land and waters. We then looked forward in time and watched a glimpse into the recently released Úxwumixw 2050: Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Generational Plan.
During the rounds of introductions, each person in the room shared the place they feel most connected to in nature and a favourite plant or animal. See the collage below in the photos that Mae Merilees created and shared that shows the diversity of caring in the room.
Brian Storey, Assistant Vice President of Capilano University Squamish, gave an overview of the new campus and its plans for integrating with the community. Brian mentioned that day’s event is the first to be held in this multi-purpose space, which is a good start to fomenting ideas and conversation.
Cheryl Schraeder, a Convenor of EarthWorks and teacher in the Department of Geography, explained the program and information about the new Bachelor of Science and Environment degree course offered at the Squamish Campus. Capilano recognizes that society needs a new group of change-makers who understand the value of creating sustainable solutions.
Just back from the UN Biodiversity Conference in Columbia, aka COP16, Stephanie Hewson and David Zandvliet shared their purposes for attending and highlights and takeaways from this global conference. Stephanie is the Staff Lawyer in the marine program at West Coast Environmental Law and David is Professor, Faculty of Education, SFU, UNESCO Chair in Bio-cultural Diversity and Education and Lead on the Institute of Environmental Learning. For Stephanie, it was the increased focus on oceans; for David, it was the focus on Indigenous peoples and recognition of the importance of early learning on biodiversity. Despite current media coverage, many positive advances were made at the conference, and the message that biodiversity and climate action must be delivered in tandem has been highlighted.
Moving from global frameworks to Canadian, provincial and local, Ruth Simons referenced big moves on biodiversity. Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy - Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss in Canada and the BC Nature Agreement which delivers a Billion Dollars for Nature in BC.
Our relationship with UNESCO connects us to these frameworks and strategies. Our collective actions move our country forward through our association with the nineteen Canadian Biosphere Reserves. In our Biosphere Region, our Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan goals and resulting actions at the local level engages people in this region toward the aspirations of all these frameworks. At COP16, it was recognized that “despite progress in communication and public awareness, insufficient work has been undertaken on strengthening education to support transformative actions to implement the Framework and also recognizing the need for capacity-building and development in that area.” We agree, funding for communications and education is a challenge. To help tackle the Biodiversity Communications gap that we workshopped in November 2023, the five minute video “The Biodiverse Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region” was debuted.
Ruth Simons encouraged reading the summary of actions taken towards improving Ocean Health that the Howe Sound Ocean Watch Action Committee has been working on since 2020. Participants attending from conservation groups shared their highlights and updates on projects they have underway. In addition to progress from Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society, we heard from Bowen Island Conservancy and Bowen Island Nature Club, Squamish Environment Society, Bird Friendly Lions Bay, Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, Marine Stewardship Initiative, CPAWS, Marine Life Sanctuaries Society, Gambier Island Conservancy, Squamish Youth Climate Corps and My Sea to Sky.
During a hearty lunch catered by Whistler Cooks, participants enjoyed the stunning views of the mountains and visited with the Conservation Groups at their display tables. Many signed up for more information and upcoming events.
Murray Journeay of the Squamish Environment Society presented an update on the Wildlife Connectivity Project “Finding Refuge” during the afternoon's presentations. Murray explained the linkage of the process being undertaken for this project, which seeks to enhance ecosystem health and networks of wildlife connectivity, to international guidelines, frameworks and strategies. The project is in its third year and is in phase two, which is Wildlife Corridor Design. Read the latest news report on this project from the Squamish Chief.
Before moving to small group discussions, Keenan Miles and Michela Philips presented on the Squamish Youth Climate Corps and their actions this past year. This was a good segue into smaller group discussions that organized naturally into five groups based on the interests and backgrounds of those present: 1) Tourism and Outdoor recreation - how to educate visitors to recreate responsibly 2) Diane Mitchell is developing a Biosphere 101 online Course - Last module of the course is taking action - what can we have the front line staff and visitors doing? 3) How to effectively engage youth in the political processes? 4) Engaging youth in biodiversity and climate issues effectively; and 5) Options for land conservation. The key takeaways from these discussions are highlighted here.
As said, collective actions and collaboration are key if we wish to reduce biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions. From these discussions emerged themes for the next Conservation Network event, TBD in 2025: education, communication, youth engagement, and funding.
For more information, comments or questions, please get in touch with ruthsimons@howesoundbri.org.
