Oak Bay Talks: Nominating Greater Victoria as a UNESCO Biosphere Region

Join us for the Community Association of Oak Bay's annual general meeting on Nov 4 at Windsor Pavilion, featuring a keynote presentation by Brad Procter & Jacques Sirois, with an introduction by Patricia Dijak. All are welcome!

Nominating Greater Victoria as a UNESCO Biosphere Region

Greater Victoria NatureHoodis proposing to nominate the Capital Regional District as aUNESCO Biosphere Region, in collaboration with local governments, businesses, community groups, educational institutions, and Indigenous peoples. Greater Victoria's significant biological and cultural diversity, support for sustainable development, educational infrastructure, and commitment to reconciliation make it a prime candidate.

Surrounded by the Salish Sea, Greater Victoria has unique-in-Canada land and marine life, including Garry oak, coastal Douglas-fir, and ocean ecosystems that have been stewarded for thousands of years by the lәk̓ʷәŋәn, paaʔčiidʔatx,̣ Sc'ianew, T-Souke, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. 

A UNESCO designation would bring the community together – non-profit groups, First Nations, government, scientists, schools, businesses, and more – to protect the environment while supporting the local economy through tourism, recreation, research, and education.

There are currently 20 UNESCO Biospheres in Canada, with 3 in BC:  Clayoquot Sound, Mount Arrowsmith, and Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.

Brad Procteris the Executive Director of the Gorge Waterway Action Society (GWAS), which is the fiduciary backbone organization and coordinator of the Greater Victoria NatureHood collaborative (GVNH).

Jacques Siroisis a Partner of Greater Victoria NatureHood, a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and a Chair of the Friends of the Victoria Harbour Migratory Bird Sanctuary.

Patricia Dijakis a Director with the Community Association of Oak Bay and the Friends of Bowker Creek Society.