The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, alongside Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, announced an investment of more than $926,000 over four years to increase biodiversity conservation efforts in the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region.
The funding, from Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy program, will support management and biodiversity conservation activities in the Biosphere Region, which is abundant with nature and wildlife, including rare and fragile glass sponge reefs and home to the rich culture of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and other Coast Salish peoples.
It contains more than 200,000 hectares of land and sea and is home to at least 39 species listed under the Species at Risk Act.
In collaboration with conservation partners, including local First Nation groups, the funding will be used to help increase local understanding of biodiversity, other effective conservation measures and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
Funding will also identify and prioritize areas with high biodiversity for protection, and support projects within the target areas for habitat restoration, wildlife connectivity, and monitoring species at risk.
Over the next four years it is anticipated that more protected and conserved areas within the Biosphere Region will count toward Canada’s target of protecting 25 percent of lands and waters in Canada by 2025, working toward 30 percent by 2030.
Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, said Howe Sound’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve represents the community’s deep dedication to sustainable development and nature conservation, setting a standard for how people and nature can thrive together.
“This federal funding will expand the Biosphere Reserve’s biodiversity conservation efforts in Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound, protecting threatened and endangered species and maintaining and restoring natural habitats. This announcement exemplifies how the federal government can work with local communities to protect our environment, a priority we will continue to advance as we work towards protecting 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030,” said Ruth Simons, Executive Director, Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region.
