2024 EVENTS
The first event of the MABR’s speaker series kicked off with “Climate Hope”, featuring lawyer and author David Geselbracht. David shared a presentation and discussed his new book Climate Hope: Stories of Action in an Age of Global Crisis.
Climate Hope was published in October 2024 with BC-based Douglas & McIntyre. See the Publisher’s summary here. Learn more about David Gesebracht here.
Deadmans fingers! Witches butter! Devil’s Tooth! Oh my! These aren’t ingredients for a witches brew, but rather, common names for mushrooms that can be found in BC! This series highlights the significance of the MABR's biological diversity and the regional conservation initiatives happening within.
During the third installment of the MABR's Biodiversity and Conservation Education Series, fungi expert, Terry Taylor, facilitated a presentation followed by a walking tour through Heritage Forest to identify fungi of all types and discuss their ecological roles in coastal forests. Topics included the importance of maintaining healthy biodiversity within the biosphere and fungi in coastal forest systems.
The MABR hosted its second Website Wednesday on October 16th. David Smyth of Click Local Digital facilitated the session, focussing on how to be found on Google and social media, and covering the distinctions between organic and paid advertising strategies. Building on our previous SEO workshop, we explored advanced techniques to enhance your visibility on Google search, social media and introduce effective uses of Google Maps.
On October 9th, the MABR hosted its first “Think Tank” event, with a focus on Pollinators to brainstorm ideas around pollinator pathways. Topics for discussion included:
Creating pollinator pathways
Potential challenges with pollinator pathways
How to advocate for pollinator pathways
Creation of an informal group consisting of neighbourhood leaders to lead residents in their neighbourhood creating/maintaining a patch of pollinators or pollinator pathway.
Qualicum Beach Thursday Night Market
July through August, 2024
This summer, the MABR was thrilled to be the new host of the Qualicum Beach Thursday Night Market, bringing together local vendors to celebrate and contribute to building a healthy economy and an equitable society. This vibrant event united local vendors, offering a wide range of products, crafts, and delicious foods that were locally made and produced. By supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, the market promotes economic sustainability and fosters social well-being, strengthening our community. The market is one step forward to creating a pathway to a more sustainable economy in Qualicum Beach and the MABR overall.
Thank you to our market sponsors, MLA Adam Walker and Waypoint Insurance!
MABR Education Centre Grand Opening
Sunday August 18, 2024
The grand opening of the MABR’s Education Centre, ts'xwelikwshenawtxw, took place on August 18, 2024. Located at 124 West 2nd Ave in Qualicum Beach, ts'xwelikwshenawtxw is a space for community to unite and grow in a caring, fun and sustainable way. The centre is now open to the public and used to connect people of all ages with nature.
The grand opening event included the gifting of the centre’s name from Qualicum First Nation and speeches by Chief Michael Recalma, Qualicum First Nation; Gord Johns, Member of Parliament; Adam Walker, Member of Legislative Assembly; Petronella Van Der Valk, Town of Qualicum Beach Councillor; and Dr. Pam Shaw, MABR director.
Thank you to MLA Adam Walker for sponsoring this event.
MABR BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION EDUCATION SERIES
July 6, 2024
The MABR Biodiversity and Conservation Education Series focuses on the significance of biological diversity in the MABR, highlights regional conservation initiatives, and offers opportunities for community engagement. Community organizations within the MABR are active in stewardship, restoration, monitoring, and educational activities, supporting conservation of biodiversity and enhancing community connections with nature. As volunteers drive the success of these efforts, this series partners with and showcases volunteer-led organizations and demonstrates opportunities for participation and engagement. Thank you to Save Estuary Land Society and Arrowsmith Naturalists for a successful first event in March focused on the French Creek Estuary Nature Preserve.
On Saturday July 6, we held the second event of the series hosted in collaboration with Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society (MVIHES) and BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF). The event began at the Parksville Community Centre with a presentation about the MABR and the importance of protecting biological diversity within it, followed by discussions with MVIHES and BCCF to learn more about their work related to fish habitat restoration and conservation. Following a catered light lunch we held an informative walking tour at Englishman River Regional Park to learn about the significance of this watershed in supporting fish habitat and overall biodiversity. MVIHES demonstrated restoration and monitoring work that has been undertaken thus far.
CELEBRATing POLLINATOR WEEK AT THE MABR Education CENTRE
JUNE 20-22, 2024
Pollinator Week 2024 was a celebration of the vital role that pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture. The MABR Education Centre opened its doors just in time to celebrate Pollinator Week from June 20th to 22nd. Visitors came in to learn about the importance of pollinators and their role in the biodiversity of our biosphere region!
MABR BIOSPHERE-WIDE BIOBLITZ
JUNE 7-9, 2024
Photo by iNaturalist user @bstaffan
From June 7th through 9th, the MABR hosted its annual Biosphere-wide BioBlitz. Community members utilized the iNaturalist mobile app to collect observations within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay). This year’s BioBlitz event encouraged MABR community members to identify as many species as possible within the MABR boundaries, which provided a snapshot of species richness in different locations throughout the region.
Over the course of three days, 370 observations were recorded including over 218 distinct species. Thanks to all who were able to take part! To view this year’s observations, visit the iNaturalist project, 2024 MABR BioBlitz.
Brant Wildlife Festival
April 5-8, 2024
Photo by Karen Massier
The Brant Wildlife Festival aims to connect community with the spectacular migratory return of Brant geese to raise awareness for the biological diversity within the region and highlight the importance of protecting critical habitat and minimizing disturbance to wildlife. The Brant Wildlife Festival takes place during a time where wildlife is extremely active, with Brant Geese preparing for their migration and herring spawning, many other species are attracted to the shores and waters. Beaches within the MABR and surrounding areas provide an abundant food source for the Brant geese in the midst of their migration.
The Brant Wildlife Festival brings together thousands of people each year to celebrate nature. The festival hosts a multitude of events in the Spring that connect people with nature, educate people of all ages on topics of conservation, and celebrate the incredible biodiversity our region has to offer. The Brant Wildlife Festival is the only one of its kind on Vancouver Island.
The 2024 Brant Wildlife Festival took place from April 5th – 8th. View the calendar of events here.
Interested in hosting an event? Want to become a sponsor? We want to hear from you! Contact us at coordinator@brantfestival.bc.ca for the 2025 Brant Wildlife Festival.
MABR BioBlitz at Milner Gardens and Woodland
April 6, 2024
Photo by iNaturalist user @jessified
The annual MABR BioBlitz was held at Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach! This event was intended for beginner BioBlitzers who wish to learn how to identify plant, animal, and insect species alongside local knowledge holders with expertise in various fields of natural science. The event took place on Saturday April 6th from 9:30am - 1:30pm, registration was free and all were welcome to attend.
Results from the 2024 BioBlitz will be shared upon data compilation and report completion and will be viewable under MABR Documents.
2023 EVENTS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN THE MABR
JUNE 7 - JUNE 9, 2023
Courtney Vaugeois from the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute alongside the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association and Fundy Biosphere Reserve hosted a display and discussion on how biosphere reserves/regions in Canada are implementing the Sustainable Development Goals on June 9th from 11:00 - 11:45 am PST. Together they shared initiatives in the MABR that support the SDGs as well as discussed how biosphere reserves/regions link to the SDGs locally, regionally, and nationally.
This presentation was a side event of the Together | Ensemble 2023 conference, that took place from June 7 - 9. The conference was a great way to learn about Canada's progress toward the SDGs!
Online registration was free, and in-person registration was available at several locations across Canada. Learn more on the Together Ensemble website.
MABR Bioblitz
April 14 - April 16, 2023
Photo by iNaturalist user @leftcoaster
The MABR hosted its seventh annual BioBlitz from April 14th through 16th, 2023. During this event community members utilized the iNaturalist mobile app to collect observations within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay).
This year’s BioBlitz event encouraged MABR community members to identify as many species as possible within the MABR boundaries, which provided a snapshot of species richness in different locations throughout the region. Over the course of the event there was a total of 341 observations were recorded including over 236 distinct species. Thanks to all who were able to take part!
BRANT WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
March 31 - April 8, 2023
Photo by Angie Ooms
The Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese as they rest and feed on the shores of mid-Vancouver Island before continuing their migration to their northern breeding grounds. The 2023 festival was a mix of events, outdoor, indoor, and self-directed. For more details visit the Brant Wildlife Festival website.
2022 Events
Brant Wildlife Festival
March 15 - April 16, 2022
Photo by Doug McLennan
The Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese as they rest and feed on the shores of mid-Vancouver Island before continuing their migration to their northern breeding grounds. The 2022 festival was a mix of events, outdoor, indoor, and self-directed. COVID protocols were followed at all events. Visit the Brant Wildlife Festival website for more information.
MABR BIOSPHERE BLITZ
APRIL 8 - 10, 2022
Photo by iNaturalist user @jay42
The MABR hosted its sixth annual BioBlitz from April 8th through 10th, 2022. Much like the previous year, the event utilized the iNaturalist app to collect observations within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay).
Roughly 35 participants were involved in the event, helping to record baseline data of species abundance and richness in our region. Over 1,100 observations were recorded including over 350 distinct species. Results from the 2022 annual MABR BioBlitz can be viewed on the iNaturalist project page here. Thanks to all who were able to take part!
REGIONAL RESEARCH, STEWARDSHIP, AND CITIZEN SCIENCE OPEN HOUSE
March 16, 2022
The Regional Research, Stewardship, and Citizen Science Open House was a collaborative event between MABRRI and other stewardship and citizen science groups in the Parksville-Qualicum area. The event showcased various research and initiatives taking place throughout the region through presentations and information booths.
Thank you to our funders, the Canadian Mountain Network, and all of those who participated!
TRADITIONAL PLANT WORKSHOP
MARCH 15, 2022
On March 15th, MABRRI’s third Traditional Plant Workshop was held at the Qualicum Beach Community Hall. The workshop brought together over 50 participants, including community members, Elders, and Vancouver Island University faculty and students.
The afternoon was jam packed, including presentations from four knowledge holders: Geraldine Manson, Dr. Nancy Turner, Kim Recalma, and Les Malbon. Participants learned about traditional plant names, techniques and tools for harvesting, as well as the cultural, nutritional, and medicinal properties of native plants and how they are prepared. All guests were also able to take home a Devil’s club salve, used to treat deep tissue inflammations and skin issues.
Participants also had the opportunity to attend a Garden Café event held during a break at the workshop. The Garden Café was hosted by Chef Sean Wiens to demonstrate how to make simple, healthy recipes – and offer a snack to anyone interested.
Thank you to our event sponsors, NutritionLink Services Society, Mosaic Forest Management, Vancouver Island University, and the Town of Qualicum Beach for making this workshop possible, and to everyone who participated!
2021 Events
MABR Biosphere Blitz
April 16 - 18, 2021
From April 16th through 18th, the MABR hosted its first ever Biosphere-Wide Blitz. The event was a modification of the Annual MABR BioBlitz, which was restructured to allow for social distancing and to obtain a broader view of the biodiversity in our region. The event utilized the iNaturalist app, with observations collected within the MABR’s boundaries (Nanoose Bay to Qualicum Bay).
Roughly 30 participants were involved in the event, contributing to a growing understanding of the biodiversity of our region. A grand total of 817 observations were recorded, including 382 distinct species.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a great success!
GETTING TO KNOW THE SDGS SYMPOSIUM
FEBRUARY 23, 2021
The Getting to Know the SDGs Symposium focused on raising awareness and knowledge of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR).
The symposium took place via Zoom on February 23rd, from 3:00-4:30pm and facilitated conversations about the SDGs, and how we are contributing to them within the MABR. This event included six presentations from local groups and organizations, and a total 48 participants. The event was open to all with no previous knowledge of the SDGs required.
As a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, the MABR inherently aligns with various SDGs. Presentations highlighted this connection between the MABR and the Goals. Local groups and organizations presented on their work, which led into facilitated discussions of why the SDGs are important, and how the MABR can further advance the Goals.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this event! If you would like to view the recording from the symposium, please email the MABR Coordinator, Mandy Hobkirk, at Mandy.Hobkirk@viu.ca
2020 Events
This was a challenging year in many ways. It is with much regret that we had to cancel all in-person events due to COVID-19. We thank you for your understanding, and are looking forward to finding new ways to engage our communities in 2021.
2019 Events
SDG TRAINING SESSION
NOVEMBER 30, 2019
In collaboration with the Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES), MABRRI and VIU's Sustainability Advisory Committee hosted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Training Session on Saturday, November 30th. The event educated individuals on the United Nations' 17 SDGs and challenged them to develop an action plan to implement the SDGs locally.
The FES's mission is to create a sustainable future by empowering youth, changing lifestyles, and telling powerful, effective stories through training, education, advocacy, and mentorship. The SDGs Youth Training session is one of two national projects FES has on the go. Since the development of The SDG Youth Training session in 2017, FES has hosted 32 sessions in 77 post-secondary institutions across Canada, reaching over 5,900 students.
There were five main components to the event: a 7-day Knowledge Transfer, History of the SDGs, UN Speaker, Skills Training, and Action Plan. Prior to the event on November 30th, participants engaged in a 7-day Knowledge Transfer. For the seven days leading up to the event, participants received short emails providing context to the SDGs. During the event, participants had an opportunity to work together to develop an action plan that could be implemented locally to make a difference.
Following the SDG Training Session, participants received an electronic certificate verifying their attendance and training on the SDGs.
2019 REGIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE
JUNE 12 TO 14, 2019
The 2019 Regional Research Conference brought together individuals conducting research projects or initiatives related to the three pillars of sustainability - Economic, Environmental, and Social and Cultural -- within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and surrounding areas.
The first Annual Regional Research Conference was hosted by MABRRI from June 12th to 14th at the Parksville Community Conference Centre. Thank you to all of the attendees, speakers, and sponsors who made it a success!
The event started this year in hopes of bringing together people that strive to influence positive change in both practice and policy in the mid-Vancouver Island area. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with local researchers and professionals, as well as learn about the research occurring in their own backyards.
Over the course of the three days, over 100 people attended the event, including 35 breakout room presenters, 3 keynote speakers, and 54 participants in the Traditional Plant Workshop.
Thank you to everyone involved in making the 2019 Regional Research Conference a great one!
Update: the mid-vancouver island regional projects map has now been completed. This map was produced from information gathered at the conference. view it here!
Plant Phenology Monitoring Training Session
May 25, 2019
The Plant Phenology Monitoring and Research Project is a collaboration between Milner Gardens & Woodland, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute, and Vancouver Island University.
We are studying the relationship between microclimate and plant phenology (or the timing of seasonally reoccurring events, such as bud break and fruit development), and we asked for volunteers to help us do in-person observations on our plant species. We had 11 participants come out to volunteer at this training session, which gave plant enthusiasts an opportunity to learn and share knowledge of native plants with other citizen scientists, students, and researchers.
Essentially, this project aims to understand how shifts in climate may impact plant productivity over time. We have been monitoring 3 sites at Milner Gardens & Woodland since 2017, but we also monitor a site on Mount Arrowsmith and at Thetis Lake Regional Park (Victoria) remotely via field cameras. Collecting in-person data is vital to this project as it allows us to ground-truth what we see on camera. It is also a great way to involve local citizens in hands-on real-life research!
MABR BIOBLITZ
APRIL 13, 2019
On April 13th we conducted the fourth annual MABR BioBlitz! The event was held at Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach.
This event was intended for beginner BioBlitzers that wished to learn how to identify plant and animal species alongside Vancouver Island University students and local knowledge holders with expertise in various fields of natural science.
Roughly 30 participants and volunteers were involved in capturing this snapshot of flora and fauna, contributing to a growing understanding of the biodiversity of our region.
The MABR BioBlitz 2019 summary report is now available here!
BRANT WILDLIFE FESTIVAL
MARCH-APRIL 2019
The Brant Wildlife Festival was a spring celebration as they welcomed thousands of migratory birds, fish and marine mammals to the shores of Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
The festival was jam-packed with fun activities. From birding tours to presentations to carving & art shows- this festival had it all!
For more information, check out their website!
2018 Events
CBRA Fall Gathering
NOVEMBER 20 TO 23, 2018
The 2018 Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association (CBRA) Fall Gathering was hosted within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. The gathering was an invitation-only event hosted from November 20th to 23rd, and included representatives from each of the 18 Canadian biosphere reserves, members of CBRA's Indigenous circle, members of the MAB committee, CCUNESCO staff, and one representative from each of Canada’s three prospective biosphere reserves.
The event was kicked off with a wonderful opening ceremony by Lawrence Mitchell of Snaw-naw-as First Nation, and workshops for the following three days took place within Qualicum First Nation territory. The focus of the event was to develop a collective and strategic vision for the national UNESCO network of biosphere reserves.
We would like to send a big thank you to CBRA for allowing us to show off our beautiful Biosphere Region! And on behalf of CBRA, we would like to thank the Gold Tier Sponsors that have donated funds or in-kind support in excess of $1,500.00 which help make the event happen: Qualicum First Nation, Snaw-naw-as First Nation, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Vancouver Island University, our staff at Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, as well as staff of Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. We would also like to thank our Silver Tier Sponsors who donated funds of in-kind support between $500 and $1,500: The Beach Club Resort, Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Region, Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and Valerie Pankratz, as well as our Bronze Tier Sponsors who donated funds of in-kind support up to $500: Pacific Brimm Café & Catering, Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Reserve, Greg Mason, Christian Bouchard, Ruth Simons and Anthony Johnston.
2018 MABR bioblitz
On April 21, 2018 we hosted the third annual Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) BioBlitz! Here we conducted a rapid biological survey of plant and animal species at both Milner Gardens & Woodland, and the Englishman River Regional Park/Top Bridge Park Trail Head. To see the MABR BioBlitz 2018 summary report, click here!
Canadian biospheres meeting on Oecms, RECONCILIATION &the pathway to canada target 1
february 20 to 22, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario
On February 20th Chief Michael Recalma (Qualicum First Nation), Councillor Lawrence Mitchell and his daughter Kyrrah (Snaw-Naw-As First Nation) joined our interim coordinator, Ashley Van Acken in Ottawa to review OECMs, Reconciliation and the Pathway to Canada Target 1.
The event was hosted in Ottawa, and involved biosphere reserve representatives, academics, and Indigenous partners from across the country in a series of workshops and knowledge sharing activities to better understand how BR's can contribute to conservation and reconciliation in Canada.
2017 Events
Canadian biospheres agm and Co-Building Reconciliation Conference
June 18 to 22, 2017
Manicouagan-Uapiska Biosphere Reserve - Baie-Comeau, Quebec
What does reconciliation mean to us?
Chief Michael Recalma of Qualicum First Nation and Sarah Lumley, Interim MABR Coordinator, attended the 2017 Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association (CBRA) and Co-Building Sustainability and Reconciliation Conference.
The event was hosted in the Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve, and involved biosphere reserve representatives, academics, and Indigenous partners from across the country in a series of workshops and knowledge sharing activities to develop an Action Plan on how biosphere reserves can become a driving force for both conservation and reconciliation in Canada.
CBRA Day on the Hill
Monday, May 29
Ottawa, Ontario
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO and the Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association hosted a special Day on the Hill in Ottawa. The goal was to allow Members of Parliament, Senators, and federal bureaucrats to discover the important role and contributions of Canada’s 18 UNESCO biosphere reserves.
This non-partisan event was co-organized by the MABR's very own Monica Shore with the support of Members of Parliament Gord Johns (BC: Courtenay-Alberni, NDP), Hon. Ginette Petitpas Taylor (New Brunswick: Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, Liberal), and Robert Sopuck (Manitoba: Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa, Conservative).
Over 100 MPs and Parliamentary Secretaries attended the event.
Island Tour:
ICCA Tribal Parks & UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
SUNDAY, MAy 6 to Monday, May 8
Vancouver Island, BC
Participants of the 2017 Island Tour
This tour was designed as an activity for participants in the P. E. Trudeau Foundation symposium Indigenous Peoples’ Land Rights and the Roles of Ethnoecology and Ethnobotany: Strategies for Canada’s Future, taking place at the University of Victoria from May 2-5, 2017. The tour took place over 3 days. For a full description of the tour, click here.
MABR BioBlitz 2017
APRIL 22, 2017
Over 70 local, Indigenous, and scientific knowledge holders helped us count species through an interactive and educational BioBlitz on April 22, 2017. The data we gathered this year contributes to a growing understanding of the biodiversity of our region. An introductory-level session was hosted at Milner Gardens & Woodland in Qualicum Beach and an expert level BioBlitz was held at Oak Leaf Drive Community Park in Nanoose Bay. The final results and data were compiled in a final report by MABRRI, available here.
A special thanks to Vancouver Island University, Milner Gardens & Woodland, TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, and the Regional District of Nanaimo for making this event possible.
Brant Wildlife Festival: A Spring Celebration of Nature
March 18 to April 17, 2017
Events that celebrate nature take place throughout the region in various locations
The community-based Brant Wildlife Festival began in the Oceanside Community in 1991. The festival celebrates nature, particularly Brant geese as they rest and feed on the shores of Parksville and Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The 2017 festival was organized by a local steering committee with the help of TNTBC. Multiple events were hosted between March 18 and April 17. More about the festival here.
EUROMAB 2017
APRIL 4 TO 7, 2017
EuroMAB is an extensive network of 302 biosphere reserves in 36 countries. The network gathers every two years to share knowledge and experience and the MABR attended the 2017 gathering in the Dordogne Basin Biosphere Reserve in Sarlat, France.
At EuroMAB 2017, participants worked to define how and with what means the biosphere reserves can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), to multilateral agreements on the environmental agreements (MEA) and to the Paris agreement on climate change.
The MABR presented on our development and launch of the International Journal of Biosphere Reserves and on our collaboration with Indigenous communities to meet our Reconciliation mandate.
AMAZING PLACES COMMUNITY LAUNCH
THURSDAY, MARCH 30 AT 6:30PM in Parksville
At this event, attended by over 100 community members and project partners, we celebrated the end of Year 1 of the Amazing Places project and announced plans for Year 2. Promotional and educational materials, as well as great prizes were shared, and the evening refreshments were provided by Pacific Brimm Cafe & Catering. The Amazing Places launch event was hosted by the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region in collaboration with Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism.
To learn more about the MABR's Amazing Places, visit mabr.ca/amazingplaces.
WATER DAY IN PARKSVILLE
SUNDAY, MARCH 12
On March 12, 2017, the MABR celebrated Water Day in Parksville, a free, all-day community event at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre.
There were workshops, demos, interactive community displays, children’s activities, food vendors, and live music all honouring our precious resource – water.
The MABR hosted an interactive booth with information about the water-related projects coordinated by MABRRI, our research institute at VIU.
Free Public Lecture: Student Research in the MABR
Wednesday, March 1 at 7pm at VIU's Nanaimo Campus
VIU student research assistants from the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) presented on the work they are pursuing in the region, and how their work aims to increase economic, environmental, and social and cultural sustainability. Student presentations included an overview of the following projects: Wetland Mapping and Monitoring in the RDN, Coastal Forest Plant Phenology Research, Bull Kelp Sample Collection in the Salish Sea, and the 2017 MABR BioBlitz.
Presented by Pamela Shaw, PhD, MABRRI Research Director, and VIU Students Graham Sakaki, Ashley Van Acken, Kayla Harris, Ryan Frederickson, and Kidston Short.
2016 Events
MABR PRESENTS AT WATERSHEDS 2016
OCTOBER 1, 2016 at SFU's Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Vancouver, BC
Building capacity for collaboration and watershed governance in British Columbia - this was the theme of Watersheds 2016, a two-day event (September 30th & October 1st) on freshwater decision-making in the province of BC.
On Saturday, October the 1st, MABR Coordinator Monica Shore co-facilitated a session entitled Canadian ICCAs & Biosphere Reserves: Indigenous governance applications for watershed governance innovation. This session explored the application of traditional governance values and principles in a modern context of Watershed governance by looking at emerging trends in collaboration between ICCAs (Indigenous Peoples and Community Conserved Territories and Areas) and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. These initiatives were be considered through a discussion about reconciliation between diverse communities within Canadian society, and reconciliation between society and the environment.
Leads: Eli Enns, Regional Coordinator, North America ICCA Consortium and Monica Shore, Coordinator, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
4-WEEK COURSE: EXPLORING THE MOUNT ARROWSMITH BIOSPHERE REGION
SEPTEMBER 16 to OCTOBER 7, 2016 at VIU Eldercollege
Class photo on our final day together
This 4-week course covered a broad introductory curriculum about the UNESCO-designated Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region. Students discovered what it means to be a UNESCO biosphere reserve and what makes this particular region so unique. Interactive workshops included mini-lectures, lively discussions, and hands-on activities that explored the diverse relationships between people and nature.
Students identified plant species that can be found in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region
Class 1 - Friday, September 16 - “Biosphere Basics”
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
History of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR)
Introduction to MABRRI, the research institute at VIU
Class 2 - Friday, September 23 - “Amazing Places in the MABR”
Canada’s 18 biosphere reserves
National initiatives with regional significance
Amazings Place in the MABR
Class 3 - Friday, September 30 - “All about Research at MABRRI”
Projects and partnerships
Community-based research
How to get involved
Class 4 - Friday, October 7 - “A Collective Vision of the Region”
Envisioning 2030 in the MABR
Review through a game of Jeopardy
This course was facilitated by faculty, staff and student researchers from VIU’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute, including Dr. Pam Shaw, Monica Shore, and Graham Sakaki.
Amazing Places Nomination Period
September 10-30, 2016
Visit mabr.ca/amazingplaces to find out which locations were selected as Amazing Places!
BIOSPHERE COMMUNITY BBQ
Friday, July 29 - Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park
On a beautiful sunny day in the biosphere, we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of MABRRI, VIU's research institute affiliated with the MABR. Staff, student researchers, partners and community members gathered at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park and shared wild biosphere salmon, burgers, cake, and stories. It was a great chance to connect with the community--hopefully an annual affair!
Guest lecture for the nanoose naturalists
Thursday, May 12 - Nanoose Library Hall
MABR staff spoke to members and friends of the Nanoose Naturalists about research being pursued at MABRRI, VIU's research institute dedicated to increasing collective knowledge about the biosphere region. "Nanoose Naturalists is a Vancouver Island naturalist club dedicated to the study, enjoyment, and preservation of our local bio-diverse ecosystems. The Club was founded in 2002 and is one of 53 nature clubs in BC with a total of over 5,000 members. These nature clubs are all affiliated to the Federation of BC Naturalists" (www.nanoosenaturalists.org).
GUEST LECTURE for the friends of french creek
Thursday, April 21 - St. Columbia Presbytarian Church, Parksville
The Friends of French Creek Conservation Society welcomed Monica Shore and Dr. Pam Shaw for a guest lecture on the background of UNESCO biosphere reserves and on the significance of this designation for the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR). We shared highlights from the MABR's history, key changes since the designation in 2000, and information about current projects at MABRRI--our affiliated research institute at Vancouver Island University.
Fore more about the Friends French Creek Conservation Society, click here.
MABR 2016 Bioblitz
Sunday, April 17 - Milner Gardens & Woodland, Qualicum Beach
Over 80 people participated in the MABR's 2016 inaugural BioBlitz. Citizens of all ages and scientists come together to count species and contribute to research on biodiversity in the region. The BioBlitz was the final event of the 2016 Brant Wildlife Festival and received sponsorship and in-kind support from the Brant Wildlife Festival, Vancouver Island University, and Milner Gardens and Woodland. View the MABR BioBlitz 2016 Summary Report here.
RDN Water day
Sunday, April 3 - Qualicum Commons, Qualicum Beach
The MABR took part in the region's first Water Day celebrations as part of Canada Water Week. The Regional District of Nanaimo, the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, First Nations, the City of Nanaimo, Vancouver Island University, and other participating organizations worked together to organize two all-day events in the region that focused on the importance of water. Speakers, workshops, interactive displays, family-friendly activities, and live music were part of the fun.
On April the 3rd at 11:45am in Qualicum Beach, Dr. Pamela Shaw and Monica Shore gave a lecture about the "Interconnectedness of Water and Life in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region."
4TH WORLD CONGRESS OF BIOSPHERE RESERVES
March 14-17 - Lima, Peru
The goal of the 4th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was to discuss common issues of sustainable development, economic viability of nature conservation systems, biodiversity, protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Participants explored the challenges faced by the World Network of Biosphere Reserves and endorsed a new (Lima) Action Plan for 2016-2025.
The MABR gave three presentations on the following topics: (1) climate research in high alpine areas; (2) biosphere reserve-related curriculum in post-secondary institutions, and; (3) strengths and gaps on existing research about UNESCO biosphere reserves.