Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region

In 2021, over 2,000 square kilometres of the watershed of Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound was recognized by UNESCO for its ecological significance, environmental recovery, Coast Salish stewardship and collaboration over the creation of a vision for a sustainable future. Learn about the biosphere region in this online course.
Boundary Map of Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound Biosphere Region.

What You Will Learn in 7 Modules

    1. Welcome

    1. Acknowledging Place

    2. Course Objectives

    3. Instructions

    4. Additional Resources

    1. Lesson Introduction

    2. Your Happy Place in the Biosphere Region

    3. We're In It Together

    4. Additional Resources

    1. Lesson Introduction

    2. How Did We Get Here?

    3. A Closer Look at the Industrial Past

    4. Biosphere 101 Intro Video

    5. What is the Biosphere Region?

    6. Why UNESCO Celebrates Our Region

    7. Additional Resources

    8. QUIZ - MODULE 3

    1. Lesson Introduction

    2. Introducing Other Biosphere Regions

    3. Tourism and Outdoor Rec in Our Biosphere Region

    4. Additional Resources

    5. QUIZ - MODULE 4

    1. Lesson Introduction

    2. Fabric of Life, a.k.a. Biodiversity

    3. Ecosystem Services

    4. Adapting to Change

    5. Additional Resources

    6. QUIZ - MODULE 5

Biosphere Region 101

  • By Donation
  • Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Edition

FAQ

  • Who is this course for?

    The course is for anyone working in the tourism, outdoor recreation or hospitality sector in the Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region. Whether you are an employee, business owner or volunteer, this course is for you.

  • What is the Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region?

    This region was designated by UNESCO in 2021. The designation is a recognition of it being a place with global ecological significance and a collaboration by many to work toward a more sustainable future. You will read more about the designation in the course.

  • Where is the biosphere region?

    You can see the boundary of the region in the map higher on the page. It encompasses most of the watershed of Átl'ḵa7tsem, known to most as Howe Sound. It takes in the communities of Squamish, Gibsons, Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, Lions Bay and part of West Vancouver. All the islands, including Bowen and Gambier also lie within the biosphere region. The biosphere region lies 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver in British Columbia.

  • Why do I need to know about this biosphere region?

    If you live and/or work in the region, you are part of its story and also part of the fabric of life that supports our communities, lives and families. The actions you take either help or hinder the ability for that fabric of life to support us. As part of the group of people either out on the land/water or engaging with those that are (e.g., visitors and local outdoor rec enthusiasts), you can help build the appreciation of the need to create a place where humanity and nature are in balance—something the biosphere region aspires to do.

  • How is this course taught?

    This is an online-only, self-paced course. With your account, you will be able to save your progress. Each module (listed above) has a few short lessons with text, video and graphics. Some of the modules have a short multiple-choice quiz, with between 3 and 5 questions. There are also additional resources sections to link to other reports, videos or websites you may find useful.

  • What does it take to pass the course?

    Four of the modules have a short multiple-choice quiz. The answer to each question will be found in the module. You need to get a minimum of 75% in each multiple-choice quiz to pass it. If you don't meet 75%, you can simply retake the quiz until you pass.

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