Forest Sector Research Project

Updated: June 2022

Name of the project: Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Forest Sector and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Partnering with: Capilano University and MiTACS, a non-profit national research organization that, in partnerships with Canadian academia, private industry, and government, operates research and training programs in fields related to industrial and social innovation.  Business faculty member Jane Raycraft the project lead with student Alysha Monk conducted the research beginning in October 2021 and concluded May 2022.

Why: The commercial forest sector has a long history in the region, going back to the 1800s. Practices have considerably changed since that time. The economic drivers in the area have shifted to include more residential/commercial development, recreation, and tourism.  The forest sector plays an important role in our region, with approximately 82%* of the land base in forest cover and 46%* of the forests being within the Timber Harvest Land Base. Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound is a hub of forestry activity with its connectivity to the marine environment, deep water, rail from the north, and close access to markets.

Planning for a sustainable future is at the heart of UNESCO Biosphere Regions, and striking a balance between the environment and the economy is a complex challenge.  The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

As far as forests are concerned, SDG 15 Life on Land addresses targets to be achieved.  Forests have a significant role in reducing the risk of natural disasters, including floods, droughts, landslides, and other extreme events. At the global level, forests, forestry management, and forest product industries mitigate climate change. Carbon sequestration contributes to the balance of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and humidity in the air and protects watersheds, which supply 75% of freshwater worldwide.

Purpose: The Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society’s (HSBRIS) mission is to facilitate and support the organizing and planning of complex activities that bring allegiance to balancing development, conservation, and equity in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region. Our Purpose is to strengthen collaboration in Átl'ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region. 

We do so to pursue three outcomes to key systemic challenges for the region:  Sustainable Development; Biodiversity Conservation; and Reconciliation, Equity & Inclusion.  Please see our five-year strategic plan for the steps we will be taking.

We intend to engage with the various sectors in the region and host conversations on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.  We aim to facilitate and network sector organizations to help address local and complex problems and showcase best practices.

Process: First we need to understand who the people and organizations are that make up the forest sector in this region.  Never before has there been a combined study of operators in West Howe Sound and the Squamish Valley.  Each area provides services with connections as far north as Alaska.  Operations are logging, log sorting, sawmilling, and pulp processing. In addition, there are many related businesses. The Squamish Valley also provides access to marine and rail shipping for communities to the north of Squamish. 

This research project, the first in potentially a series focused on each of the most important economic sectors in the region, will result in a simple directory of the existing active forest sector businesses operating in the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound biosphere region (see map).  It will provide information on current operating companies, links to contacts, and an approximate number of employees.  In conducting this research, and from interviews with operators, we will develop their baseline understanding of the UN SDG’s and highlight those operators who are willing to share their best practices. We believe this report will lead to other research and projects.

The expectation is to conduct a minimum of 30 interviews remotely and onsite. Reports will be presented to the industry participants and donors in the fall. This information will provide a useful baseline of information about the current state of the forest sector in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound.

Outcomes and use: We invite donors and participants to a presentation of the information and provide copies of the report. The forest sector will then be invited to a conversation about the SDG Roadmap and learn more about common issues related to the sector-specific challenges in this region. HSBRIS will serve as a host for these conversations and will partner with organizations to provide the needed capacity. The information will also be used to inform the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan. Read more information about this plan here.

Funding:

The total cost of the research project is $28,000, with the bulk of the funding provided by MiTACS and Capilano University. As the partner on this project, HSBRIS raised funds that are dedicated to this project.

Appreciation to the Sitka Foundation, Howe Sound Pulp and Paper, and Sechelt Creek Contracting for their support.

*Referencing the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative UNESCO Biosphere Reserve nomination document.   

More:

Capilano University - Get to know us

Squamish Chief Article November 13, 2021 - Seeing the forest for the trees