Howe Sound Biosphere Fund

What is a Biosphere Region?

UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) Biosphere Regions are areas of global ecological significance that make an ongoing commitment to the United Nations to strive for sustainability.

Biosphere Regions are places where people are inspired to find ways to live and work in harmony with nature.

On September 22, 2021, CapU launched Skw'cháys (pronounced skwa-chaýs), the University's legacy canoe. The launch honoured the designation of the UNESCO Átl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region, Canada's 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region.

The Howe Sound Biosphere Initiative Region Initiative Society (HSBRIS) and CapU began its connection with CapU's EarthWorks Initiative over five years ago, with a workshop focused on the Howe Sound and the UN Sustainability Goals.

In 2021, HSBRIS and CapU created a joint working group committee to explore applied research opportunities. This partnership fits with the society's mission of connecting more youth to nature and CapU's commitment to sustainability, outlined in the Envisioning 2030 and Illuminating 2030 guiding strategies.

Since then, the working group has created more than 20 community-based opportunities for faculty and students to work on projects that deepen their connection to the region.

Donors can support upcoming student and faculty-led projects through donations to the Capilano University Foundation.

Donations support student field trips, student research assistant salaries and teaching resources that benefit future generations of learners and the future of Howe Sound.