Gathering Stakeholders: Education about the Salish Sea Ecosystem for Vancouver's Adult Residents

• Main Author: Simpson, Deborah
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2016
• Subjects: Fresh Water Studies; Life Sciences; Marine Biology; Natural Resources and Conservation; British Columbia; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2016ssec/engagement/4

"Education of the Salish Sea is a big pool of information waiting to be tapped into" (Vancouver environmental adult educator). Residents of Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), Canada live alongside one of the largest and most biologically diverse inland seas in the world, the Salish Sea. Although a rich variety of marine environmental adult education opportunities are offered in Vancouver, educators have found that attendance is low and programs generally attract repeat participants described as the “already converted”. Overall, there appears to be a disconnect between the capacity for this education in Vancouver and the number of people who currently attend existing programs. Education about marine ecosystems is critical for residents of coastal urban centres due to the impact that human activities have on the sea and estuarine areas; however, scholarly research in this area is scarce. This qualitative case study explored marine environmental adult education in the densely populated city of Vancouver, BC from the perspective of local stakeholders. An interview was conducted with one contact person from each of the following stakeholder groups: marine adult education planners, marine advocates, local First Nations' peoples, and the City of Vancouver. As well, a small sample of Vancouver residents who represented the curious and beginning adult learner participated in a focus group. Three themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) residents are connected to the Salish Sea but know little about it, (b) greater awareness has benefits for the ecosystem and residents, and (c) programs specifically designed for Vancouver's adult residents could engage citizens in marine environmental education. This presentation will identify directions for the development of marine environmental programs in Vancouver; suggest participant engagement strategies for both new and existing programs; mention discussion points and areas for further study; and provide an update on plans for a pilot program.