MakeWay – Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative
Project Details
Location
The Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI) conducts research and community engagement in service of marine planning, education, and relationship building in Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound.
Placement Details
MakeWay is a national charity and public foundation that provides support for environmental and social change initiatives across Canada. The Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative (MSI) conducts research and community engagement in service of marine planning, education, and relationship building.
The participant in this role is responsible for enhancing and promoting the marine debris citizen reporting system, collecting marine debris information, analyzing, mapping, and executing cleanup efforts of within Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound. The majority of the work done via computer and/or telephone, coordinating and collaborating with various stakeholders in the Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound area. An objective of this placement is to compile a report of the predominant existing marine debris in the local environment, to help inform policy change, stopping the entry of marine debris at its source. Additionally, the participant will raise awareness of MSI’s marine debris reporting system and connect the information to those who can collaborate on collecting the waste, once reported by locals to our database.
Placement Category: Plastic, Pollution, or Waste Management; Community Outreach and Education; Data Analysis, Management, and Reporting
Placement Season: Summer, Fall
Placement Type: Urban
2023 Participant Highlight
Participant Rebecca McDonald
During her 2023 placement, Rebecca gained a variety of skills in research, outreach, event organization, report writing, and partner engagement. This placement is well suited to a self-driven individual, and Rebecca’s independent nature made her a natural in this role.
Her biggest takeaway from her experience was the awareness that when it comes to localized conservation efforts, having community connections and networks is critical given that the local people are one of the most valuable resources due to the time and skills they contribute to help advance projects. Tapping into this local network/community really helped her accomplish what she needed to within her placement, but it also enabled her to secure a job within her field in the region upon completing her time with MSI.
2022 Participant Highlight
Participant Eleana Block
Eleana’s placement focused on creating a marine debris citizen reporting system, collecting marine debris information, analyzing, mapping, and executing cleanup efforts of within Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound.
Eleana performed the role of Marine Debris Coordinator with MakeWay’s Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative. She was responsible for creating a marine debris citizen reporting system, collecting marine debris information, analyzing, mapping, and executing cleanup efforts of within Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound. Through the use of social media channels, Eleana was responsible for raising awareness on the topic of marine debris which she did exceptionally well. Eleana worked in close collaboration with various stakeholders, community groups, and organizations, such as the Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society, located within the Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound area.
For her final project, Eleana collaborated with several local organizations to host a large-scale barge cleanup in and around Anvil Island, BC. This was a massive undertaking which required lots of outreach and connection building. The event ended up being a huge success, with tons of Styrofoam being collected and cleaned up.
