Biosphere Terrestrial Atlas

In order to make informed decisions around land use management and conservation efforts that are holistic in nature, baseline information is required to understand the context of an area. Our Terrestrial Atlas is an online mapping application that includes open access data related to biodiversity conservation and land use in the Biosphere Region. Data compiled in the Atlas provides support for evidence-based decision making and help identify knowledge gaps and areas where conservation and restoration efforts could be focused

StoryMaps

To complement the Biosphere Terrestrial Atlas, HSBRIS is authoring a collection of ArcGIS StoryMaps for the biosphere region to document and share the history of landscape change over time, human impacts, the restoration and recovery of local ecosystems, and to identify future stewardship opportunities. These StoryMaps are centred on focus areas within the biosphere region, defined as areas of unique ecological significance and/or rich biodiversity that have complex land-use histories and present opportunities for conservation, restoration and stewardship.

Marine Reference Guide

The interactive Marine Reference Guide, produced by the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative, lets you explore hundreds of data layers and reports that describe Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound’s aquatic ecology, biophysical environment, administrative boundaries, and human uses. Continually updated, this map is the most useful data tool on the region’s marine environment there is.

Marine Debris Resources - what to do

Wind, currents and winter storms create an ongoing inventory of garbage on the water and shoreline, from very small to large. Eyes on the water are helpful for early detection and action before the situation worsens. There are a growing number of resources available for people to action. The Marine Debris Reporting Form (Marine Stewardship Initiative) helps share photos and track the location. Download this resource guide that is a comprehensive list for: reporting; disposal; data visualization/mapping; reference documents; marine debris; legal; local waste management plans; cleanup funding; relevant organizations/groups; education & advocacy.

iNaturalist & Seek

Contribute to the iNaturalist Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region Project and help build a picture of the species in the area. As of March 2023, around 4400 species have already been identified.

If you need some help identifying species, you can download the Seek app to your phone. Powered by AI and INaturalist, it identifies species and lets you upload directly to INaturalist where other users can agree or suggest another species. Take up challenges and collect badges as you go. For birds, the Merlin or eBird apps are also very useful.