For decades there have been strong efforts by many residents around the Howe Sound watershed working to conserve its biodiversity. Standing on the shoulders of those who came before, the members of the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society have dedicated more than four years of renewed effort to achieving recognition by UNESCO as a designated Biosphere Reserve. Ruth Simons has led the initiative and there other key players but hundreds of people are directly contributing.
Squamish Environment Society (SES) has contributed by compiling and maintaining the species list for the Howe Sound Watershed through the Biodiversity Squamish project, led by Judith Holm. All the goals and projects of SES support this initiative.
On June 4, Ruth published the most recent announcement from UNESCO. We hope that final approval will take place in September.