David Banks’ Post

🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone achievement of the Great Bear Sea Project for Finance Permanence, announced today. After more than two decades of dedication, this initiative will safeguard the Great Bear Sea, ensuring cultural vibrancy, supporting resilient communities and economies. The agreement signed between Coastal First Nations, the federal government, and the BC government aligns with the 30 x 30 vision, committing to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. This Indigenous-led effort will bring $335 million in new investments to the Northern Shelf Bioregion and the Great Bear Sea, encompassing 10 million hectares of culturally and environmentally significant ocean, safeguarding 84 species of ocean and wildlife. The Houssian Foundation is proud to be a part of this historic initiative. We understand the profound connection between cultures, communities, and wildlife with the land and sea, underscoring the significance of this endeavor. We extend our gratitude to the First Nations communities for their steadfast leadership and commend our partners Coast Funds, Nature United for their invaluable contributions to realizing this vision. “This ground-breaking initiative, led by 17 First Nations, launches a new era of collaborative governance in marine conservation, stewardship, and Marine Protected Areas. It represents a beacon of hope for the future ‒ a future where ongoing management and stewardship are not just aspirations, but realities. Together we have forged a path where prosperous communities and stewardship go hand in hand, where economic growth is synonymous with environmental stewardship.” - Chief Marilyn Slett, President of Coastal First Nations #IndigenousConservation #greatbearsea #conservation #culturalconservation #bcgovernment #bcnews

Largest-ever Scottish seagrass planting programme launched by unique partnership Restoring nature in Scotland’s seas will get a more than £2m funding boost as NatureScot announced detailing a new partnership to protect and restore Scottish seagrass meadows, with support from SSEN Distribution. This is believed to be the largest-ever single donation to marine enhancement in Scotland. Since it was established, SMEEF has secured and awarded more than £3.3m to marine enhancement in Scotland. Ethical considerations are hugely important, so all proposals go through a bespoke due diligence process to underpin confidence in the programme. The partnership with SSEN is a successful example of this process. Seagrass is a wonder plant, the only true flowering plant in the sea. The meadows it creates in shallow and intertidal waters are home to a bewildering array of wildlife and are often likened to rainforests because of the thousands of species they provide food and shelter for. Scottish seas are a special place for marine habitats like seagrass, with our coast stretching 18,000 km and containing 8,000 species or more. Seagrasses have another great advantage: their leaves and roots take in carbon dioxide and lock it away, making them great natural solutions to help tackle the climate crisis as well as reducing biodiversity loss. They can also improve water quality, reduce contamination in seafood, and act as the first line of defence along coasts by reducing wave energy, protecting people from the increasing risk of flooding and storms. #socsea24 #maritimeconnection #smes #maritime #seagrass https://lnkd.in/eHFh5yN6

Grasslands, forests and tidal marshes in Canada will grow stronger and more resilient, thanks to a new partnership between Aviva plc (Aviva) and the Nature Conservancy of Canada/Conservation de la nature Canada (NCC). Aviva has pledged nearly CAD$6 million over the next seven years to support targeted restoration, conservation and opportunities for carbon removal projects. #carbonremoval #forests #climatefinance #climateaction https://bit.ly/44rsJUo

A new grant partnership with The Kelp Conservation Initiative! 🤝🎉 We are supporting them with their UK Kelp Restoration Project which aims to develop a low-cost, scalable, and practical solution to future-proof kelp beds against climate stresses. Working with the Marine Biological Association (MBA) in Plymouth, the Initiative hopes to progress the 'green gravel' kelp restoration tool to protect and restore Devon's depleted or at-risk native kelp species. The 'green gravel' is the name given to the discarded scallop shells used as the substrate from which the kelp will grow on.🌿 Kelp provides huge benefits to our oceans' ecosystem: spawning and nursery grounds and habitats for many species, food for marine life, a natural coastal defence, as well as act as a carbon conveyor (drawing down carbon faster than many land plants). The scientists on the project will perform laboratory tests to culture and grow six species of kelp using the 'green gravel' method. Juvenile kelp will then be transplanted to various intertidal locations across Devon. We are delighted to be able to support this important local project which will impact the future of sea bed restoration and the journey towards healthier oceans. 🌊💚 Find out more at https://lnkd.in/eRkxVcDj #oceanrestoration #ProtectOurOceans #Sustainability #ClimateAction #thedixonfoundation #environmentaleducation #togetherforourplanet #environment #sustainability #protectingnature #nonprofitsofinstagram #climatechange #climateaction #changemakers #climateemergency

Reflecting on what was a historic week with the declaration of the Great Bear Sea Project Finance for Permanence. Led by 17 First Nations, and in partnership with the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia, the Great Bear Sea PFP will result in a new collaborative governance model for the protection of these Nations' marine territories, as well as the injection of $335M in conservation finance, with help from philanthropic partners like Nature United and The Nature Conservancy, and the creation of a Marine Protected Area Network in one of the most unique marine ecosystems in Canada. “Precedent setting”. These are the words I keep coming back to after having the opportunity to listen and learn from First Nations leaders about the impacts of the Great Bear Sea PFP in ensuring the permanent protection of their marine territory and in building local conservation economies. For Indigenous peoples, “precedent”, can be a nasty word.  For all the hard-fought legal battles Indigenous peoples have won throughout this country’s history, precedent, and the status-quo, have also been used as tools for discrimination to hold Indigenous peoples back. Step-by-step western models and ways of thinking have been chipped away. This week’s announcement is another step forward and sets a new precedent for how conservation and reconciliation are done, and an example of how Nations can work collaboratively together. Please take some time to learn more about the work of these Nations in advancing their visions for the Great Bear Sea at the link below:

*Repost from Blue Marine Foundation* Over recent centuries, we have lost huge amounts of habitats; including up to 50% of seagrass meadows, 85% of saltmarsh habitats and 95% of native oyster reefs 🌊 Oysters are nature's water filters. A single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water a day, removing pollutants from the Ocean! We must actively restore these marine ecosystems to their former abundance. Initiatives such as the Blue Marine Foundation 'Oyster Restoration Project' are helping to do this 🌱 Each OceanSaver products donates 1% for restoring vital marine habitats, including oysters, in the Solent. However, Seascape restoration projects currently face a lengthy, complex, and costly marine licensing process. Marine licensing is crucial to permitting activity on the seabed, such as planting seagrass or restoring oyster reefs, whilst protecting the environment and human health. We must reform the licensing process to enable quick recovery of our coastal seas 🐠 Vote for the Ocean! #SeastheDay | Solent Seascape Project Check our Blue Marine's '10 asks for the Ocean' ahead of tomorrow's UK election: https://lnkd.in/e5cd5eB8

“To #rewild and repeople Scotland, we need to re-embrace Dùthchas: a sense of belonging to and responsibility for a place.” That’s the message behind this joint piece by Kevin Cumming (Rewilding Britain, The Scottish Rewilding Alliance and The Langholm Initiative) and Ailsa Raeburn (Community Land Scotland and the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust). They call for the land reform and rewilding movements to explore their ‘‘extensive common ground” and work together to deliver shared goals. This includes helping Scotland become a world leader in restoring land and seas and empowering communities. Many communities are already re-embracing the Gaelic ‘Dùthchas’ concept and taking action. Highlighted are some of the inspiring rewilding initiatives that are recovering nature, creating jobs and supporting local economies, including Langholm, south Scotland’s largest community buyout, and Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Rewilding Centre. Explore what else could be achieved by embracing Dùthchas 👇 https://lnkd.in/exbfc7pb

The restoration of Sugarloaf Island in Morehead City has officially started! This vital project is addressing the alarming erosion of the island, which has been under threat with each passing storm. Town of Morehead City, North Carolina Coastal Federation, and Sea & Shoreline are collaborating to restore and protect the island by installing Wave Attenuation Devices (WADs), seagrass planting units, salt marsh plants, and oyster reefs. The widespread advantages of this initiative include: ● Countering erosion, rebuilding the shoreline ● Amplifying the coastal resilience of Morehead City ● Expanding fish habitats, leading to enhanced fishing opportunities ● Boosting ecotourism ● Improving seagrass presence and overall water quality ● Preventing the loss of trees and shorebird habitat ● Augmenting carbon sequestration Backed by $6.6 million in legislative funding, as well as the unwavering support from North Carolina Senator Norman Sanderson and State Representatives Celeste Cairns and retired Rep. Pat McElraft, NC 13, the project is expected to be complete by mid-2024. Read more here: https://rb.gy/i49rlq

#WorldWetlandsDay is tomorrow, February 2—which marks the 1971 signing of the international Convention on Wetlands and aims to raise awareness for these vital ecosystems. Even with these commitments, 35% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared and we have lost an estimated 70% of our wetlands in the developed parts of Canada. When we save natural areas like wetlands, the world becomes a safer, healthier and happier place. In the op-ed piece below, Shawn Graham, secretary of DUC's board of directors, discusses the reasons why when we invest in nature, we're investing in our well-being too. #DucksUnlimitedCanada #WWD2024 #ForWetlands #WetlandConservation #Conservation #Nature #Wellness

At Wave of Change, we believe in the power of nature to tackle urgent social and environmental challenges. That's why we're committed to Nature-based Solutions, which leverage nature's principles to address issues like climate change, enhance human well-being, and boost biodiversity. One example of our efforts is the mangrove restoration program in the Dominican Republic. Mangroves play a critical role in protecting our coasts against sea-level rise, increasing nutrient filtration, and serving as vital habitats for native species. In the Dominican Republic, we've taken important steps: ⚪ Donated and planted over 19,000 mangroves. ⚪Developed three mangrove nurseries at Iberostar Hotels & Resorts: Bavaro Complex, Selection Hacienda Dominicus. ⚪ Collaborated with the Ministry of Environment and the GIZ development agency to plant 3,500 mangroves in the community of Miches. Our work restoring mangrove's ecosystems underscores the crucial role of Nature-based Solutions in improving coastal sustainability and resilience. We are proud to contribute towards a sustainable ocean economy and we remain committed to expanding our efforts to safeguard nature for future generations. #Responsibletourism #Naturebasedsolutions