Camossung Biosphere
Region Project
Greater Victoria
This project is a Greater Victoria Naturehood initiative to nominate the area as a UNESCO* Biosphere Region, in collaboration with 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.
A UNESCO designation benefits the local economy through tourism, recreation, research, and education. It also brings the community together – non-profit groups, government, First Nations, scientists, schools, businesses, and more – to protect the environment while supporting jobs.
*UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
We acknowledge and respect the lәk̓ ʷәŋәn, paaʔčiidʔatx,̣ Sc'ianew, T-Souke, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples on whose traditional and unceded territories we work, and whose historical relationships with the lands and waters continue to this day.
The name, Camossung q'emásәnj, is used with permission by the lәk̓ ʷәŋәn (Songhees and Xʷsepsәm/Esquimalt) communities. Camossung was a young lәk̓ ʷәŋәn girl whose story about the Gorge Waterway teaches us the importance of place and caring for nature. A statue of Camossung is located in Gorge Waterway Park.
