Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region: What’s Next?
Photo credit: Erasmus Dong
It’s official: After a five-year journey, Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound has officially become Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region. We are absolutely thrilled with this prestigious designation and the international recognition it provides. As people who live, work and play here, we know how special this area is—and now we have the opportunity to showcase it on the global stage. Our next chapter is beginning as we take on the role of managing and maintaining the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region. So, what’s next? Read on to find out!
What does this mean for the community of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound?
This UNESCO Biosphere Region is a recognition of the incredible community and natural assets we have here in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound—a place of pride for all of us. This will be an enduring reminder to protect this fragile natural environment and to find ways to grow our economy without sacrificing our wild places. Residents and visitors alike can experience the natural beauty of the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region, while learning about the rich Indigenous culture and vibrant biodiversity that exists here.
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. It’s important to note we do not impose any rules or regulations or impede First Nations’ Rights and Titles. Our role is to support programs and initiatives that contribute towards the objectives and build consensus with the many sectors in the region.
We continue to bring the community together to find a way for the economy and the environment to thrive side-by-side here. Our designation is a long-term commitment towards these objectives and we have developed measurable goals to help us on this journey. Like UNESCO Biosphere Regions all over the world, we are focused on supporting biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and education, research, and monitoring.
Work is well underway as we support a multitude of projects that meet our objectives. We’re on the leadership team of the Howe Sound/Átl’ka7tsem Marine Reference Guide, an interactive tool that brings together knowledge associated with the region's marine ecological and human-use values.
We’ve also forged a partnership with Capilano University’s faculty and offices of Indigenous education and affairs and creative activity, research & scholarship. Many people who worked on our Biosphere Region nomination were involved with CapU’s EarthWorks initiative and many faculty at CapU have spent time on the Sound for coursework and research. We’re working towards developing a cross-disciplinary field school involving the geography, biology, anthropology, and the tourism and outdoor recreation departments.
Prioritizing reconciliation
Underscoring all of this work is a commitment to reconciliation—with the land and with Indigenous peoples, who have thrived off and prospered from this shared territory since time immemorial. Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound is located on the shared, unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples—including the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)—and they continue to be important collaborators as we shape the shared vision for this region together.
We’re nurturing conversations, building relationships, and creating ethical space for all of the nations and communities in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound to participate in the conversation around how to build a more livable, resilient, and low-carbon community.
Finding ways for the economy and nature to coexist
This incredible milestone is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of many people in our community. First Nations, all levels of government, businesses, individuals, and organizations (our “community of communities”) have come together to show their support for this UNESCO nomination. However, long before the seed for our Biosphere Region was planted, regional collaboration began with the Howe Sound Community Forums in 2000.
We’re building upon the momentum of the forums and this UNESCO designation, and will convene roundtables focused on co-creating our sustainable future. The UNESCO approach is the only region-wide framework for the entire Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound watershed and provides decision-makers with important data and tools to inform policies.
Joining the prestigious UNESCO Biosphere Region Network
We join more than 700 UNESCO Biosphere Regions around the globe—areas of ecological significance that make an ongoing commitment to strive for sustainability. These are places of beauty and hope that bring communities together to find a balance between the economy and the environment. By joining the UNESCO Biosphere Region network, we can shine a light on Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound as a model for sustainable development, and also gather sustainable growth management best practices from around the world.
At home in Canada, we will work closely with other Biosphere Regions, with support from the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association. We have already forged collaborative relationships with the other two BC Biosphere Regions: Clayoquot Sound and Mount Arrowsmith, which received their designations in 2000.
How to get involved
Our work is just beginning and we need your help. Let’s come together for the future of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound. Here are a few ways you can become involved:
Start a Conversation: Have a conversation about Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. Chat with your friends, family, colleagues, employees, or elected officials about what this Biosphere Region means to the community and our future. Let us know what you find out!
Engage With Us: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and subscribe to our email list to receive regular updates about what’s happening in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region. If you’re out on the land and waters, share your photos to #HoweSoundBiosphere for a chance to be featured!
Donate to Our Society: Our long-term commitment to managing the Biosphere Region requires partnerships and financial support. Every little bit helps and we are grateful for all contributions.
Volunteer With Us: There is much work ahead as we shape the future of this region together and it will take a village. Whether you’re interested in short-term or ongoing volunteer work, we will find an opportunity that suits your passions and skills.
Partner With Us: We’re always looking for public or private sector partnership opportunities to further our goals around conservation, sustainable growth, and education. Connect with us if you have an idea!
Invite Us: Invite us to come to your community, organization, or company to give a presentation, host a Q&A session, facilitate a workshop, or other creative ways of engaging
Contact howesoundbri@gmail.com