Clayoquot Sound
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- Email: questions@natureunited.ca
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In Clayoquot Sound, First Nations’ Visions and B.C. Tenure Change Advances Old-growth Protection and a Conservation Economy
First Nations leadership has led to 76,000 hectares of new protected areas supported by $40 million raised by Nature United
Clayoquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, is a stunning mosaic of emerald valleys, clustered islands and thousand-year-old trees. It is home to First Nations that have stewarded these lands and waters since time immemorial. In 2000, the area became British Columbia’s (BC) first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Despite its significance, Clayoquot Sound is vulnerable to unsustainable logging, mining and other development.
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Our shared vision is a sustainable region that is managed for and by its people. We are identifying models that increase Indigenous authority in decision-making, stewardship and economic diversification.
In 2008, our global affiliate was invited by local First Nations to support their efforts to advance land-use visions for Clayoquot Sound. In the years since, we've worked with the Nations to complete drafts of their visions, engage Provincial government in the process and implement an Economic Development Action Plan protocol with the BC Government.
Now, these Nations are getting very close to realizing land-use visions that will result in additional conservation and new forest management areas. Combined, the visions of the First Nations will permanently conserve more around three-quarters of Clayoquot Sound and lay the foundation for a sustainable economy that will support the First Nations of that place into the future.
Nature United is dedicated to continuing to support Nations as they lead on protecting one of the world’s last intact coastal temperate rainforest for the future generations while addressing climate and social justice issues that have eroded old-growth forests, wild salmon runs and the economic well-being of communities.
We are grateful to the many donors whose critical support has helped advance the vision for Clayoquot Sound. Our special thanks go to the following donors who made outright gifts or pledges to support work in Clayoquot Sound in fiscal years 2014 through 2024 (July 1, 2014–June 30, 2024), as well as those who contribute to our approach to reimagining conservation in BC and across Canada.
Alcoa Foundation*, Anonymous (4)*, Anonymous (2), Bezos Earth Fund*, BC Parks Foundation, Creek Bed Foundation*, The Dickhout Family Foundation, Government of British Columbia, Alison Graham and Richard J. Messina*, The Houssian Foundation, J. A. Woollam Foundation*, Robert and Linda Kreiss, McCall MacBain Foundation, Nature Conservancy of Canada, North Family Foundation, Kenan Ogelman*, Real Estate Foundation of BC, The Schad Foundation, Sitka Foundation, Sue A. Stack*, & The Wyss Foundation*
*Gifts made to our global affiliate, The Nature Conservancy, to support work in Canada.
