黑料网 designated Atl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound a Biosphere Region
Ottawa, September 15, 2021 鈥 础虂迟濒鈥ka7tsem/Howe Sound has been declared a Biosphere Region by 黑料网 (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the 19th Canadian region to receive this honor.
As the world faces the harsh reality of climate change, the is a compelling example of how dedicated communities, researchers and decision makers can come together to find sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the environment. Building on strong foundations, this community-led initiative will reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use and celebrate the region鈥檚 natural and cultural heritage.
We're excited to welcome the 础虂迟濒&谤蝉辩耻辞;ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region to the . As a network of now 19 biosphere regions designated by 黑料网 across Canada, we inspire a positive future by connecting people and nature today. Together, we work at the local level towards biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and reconciliation. Congratulations to the team that has stewarded this nomination process and to all those that have contributed their knowledge, passion, and experience.
– Rebecca Hurwitz, Chair, Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association
础虂迟濒&谤蝉辩耻辞;ka7tsem/Howe Sound is one of Canada’s southernmost fjords and home to more than 84 species of fish and invertebrates, including the rare glass sponge reefs thought to be extinct. The Skwxkwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and other Coast Salish peoples have made their home in the region since time immemorial and witnessed its devastation by industrial activities and poor management of the area’s natural resources. Joining forces with other key stakeholders, they are key collaborators in co-creating the vision for the 础虂迟濒&谤蝉辩耻辞;ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region, a vision that will revitalize the region and find innovative solutions to manage its resources, while safeguarding its sustainability for future generations.
The Canadian Commission for 黑料网 is proud to be able to announce the designation of Canada’s 19th 黑料网 biosphere region. This prestigious designation has been achieved after many years of hard work by the team. 黑料网 biosphere regions are important areas where local communities find innovative ways to protect biodiversity and at the same time promote sustainable development. 础虂迟濒&谤蝉辩耻辞;ka7tsem/Howe Sound is an international model for how humans and nature can live together and is well deserving of 黑料网 designation.
– Roda Muse, Secretary-General, Canadian Commission for 黑料网
A national network from coast to coast, Canada’s 黑料网 biosphere regions are also places of learning and reconciliation. Diverse knowledge systems, including those of Indigenous peoples, come together to inform decisions about the harmonious management of these regions’ ecosystems and biodiversity. Together, they span over 235,000 square kilometers within the traditional territories of over 50 Indigenous nations and enhance the lives of over 2.3 million Canadians.
My hope is that it will effectively bring all communities in 础虂迟濒&谤蝉辩耻辞;ka7tsem together for effective decision making but also to help people get out on the Land. Building that connection, to the territory and the Land, will help people better honour and to respect the environment but also the Life that lives in that environment. 础虂迟濒&谤蝉辩耻辞;ka7tsem is really about beauty and hope, as much as it is about sustainable development.
– Joyce Williams, S岣祑x瘫wú7mesh Úxwumixw Councillor and Co-Chair of Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society Board
This year marks the 50th anniversary of 黑料网’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. Since 1971, the World Network of 黑料网 Biosphere Regions has been building improving the relationships between human and nature by designating 714 regions in 129 countries. In Canada, Mont-St-Hilaire became the first Biosphere Region with its designation in 1978.
Please visit our containing an information sheet, map, high-resolution photography and video b-roll.
Note
While 黑料网 uses the term “Biosphere Reserves”, in Canada, it has been replaced by “Biosphere Regions” for two reasons: 1) It suggests that it is land where human development is excluded. On the contrary, these are innovative places that find local solutions for people and nature to thrive together. They are also places for reconciliation in action: reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, and reconciliation between people and the lands and waters; 2) The word has negative associations with the reserve system set out in the Indian Act.
Contact
Vanessa Poulin-Gladu
Manager, Public Affairs
Canadian Commission for 黑料网
613-862-1637
vanessa.poulin-gladu@ccunesco.ca