ABOUT VANCOUVER
Vancouver is a coastal city in south-western British Columbia on the traditional, unceded territory of the Coast Salish People – Squamish, Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Framed by the Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains, Vancouver is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural diversity.
From ancient old growth forests to diverse wetlands, and freshwater lakes to superb ocean views – Vancouver provides habitats for a variety of wildlife as well as outdoor activities for tourists and residents. Whale-watching tours, hiking forest trails, or cycling the Seawall are year-round activities for nature-loving locals. Deer, beaver, coyotes, bears, and bald eagles inhabit the forests; while whales, dolphins, and sea lions can be viewed just off the coastal beaches.
Recognized for its sustainability goals, Vancouver boasts an extensive network of public transportation, walkways, and bicycle routes that reduce emissions. The city has also initiated the ‘Greenest City Plan’ that aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and carbon negative thereafter..
Our local BlueCommunities partner is Sea Smart, an NGO working to bring their community together to preserve their local coastal areas.
LOCAL GOALS
• Promote Circular Principles
• Freshwater & Ocean Conservation
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
LOCAL PARTNERS
Sea Smart is a charity that delivers a diverse and innovative range of educational programs that are empirically-developed and derived from current ocean issues to empower youth, businesses, teachers, and communities to take action and power our wave of change throughout the world. From school workshops, online courses, and summer camps at the beach, to team building beach-cleanups and lunch & learns, our professional team of marine biologists and environmental educators are passionate about educating and inspiring all of us to become ocean heroes.
OCEAN CONSERVATION & EDUCATION
Our youth are our future and Plastic Oceans is proud to support SeaSmarts efforts of shaping the young minds of today to create powerful leaders of tomorrow. Through school workshops, virtual programming and webinars, nature-based summer camps, events and corporate programs, participants of all ages are introduced to our ocean, and empowered to create change.
SHORELINE CLEANUPS
Marine debris is a pervasive issue, even in one of the world’s greenest cities! Plastic Oceans supports SeaSmart’s programming where educators host coastal cleanups throughout the city. Not only do these cleanups include working with students, they also work with families and corporations to divert waste from entering fresh and marine waterways.
PLASTIC REDUCTION & ZERO WASTE LIVING
With less than 10% of plastic being recycled worldwide, more needs to be done to educate the public on the impacts of plastic but also how to make educated decisions as a consumer to reduce consumption and end plastic pollution for good. SeaSmart provides educational and corporate programming that incorporates easy ways to reduce single use plastic, and groups are challenged to live a less wasteful lifestyle to protect our oceans.