CCEA Workshop 2024: Conservation Finance

CCEA Workshop 2024

Sustainable Conservation Financing in Canada: A National Workshop with a Special Focus on Protected and Conserved Areas

With conservation finance identified as a crucial component of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and Canada’s ambitious biodiversity commitments, it is crucial to examine this key element of the GBF in the Canadian context.

This workshop offers a unique platform for participants to gain valuable knowledge about the latest trends in conservation finance, exchange ideas with experts, and explore potential partnerships. Whether you are a seasoned professional in the field or someone interested in learning more about how finance can play a pivotal role in conservation efforts, this event provides a valuable opportunity to enhance your understanding and network with like-minded individuals.

Objectives

1. Provide an overview of the Canadian protected and conserved area financing landscape, including existing financing mechanisms, needs, gaps, barriers, and priorities;
2. Diagnose challenges and needs associated with sustainable protected and conserved area financing;
3. Identify and discuss new, long-term, and diversified sources of financing available to support effective protected and conserved area planning and management;
4. Promote innovation in protected and conserved area financing; and,
5. Connect the Canadian protected and conserved area community of practice who are accelerating government, private, Indigenous, and civic sector action to improve outcomes for Nature, and discuss the ways in which coherence, coordination, and synergies amongst the growing and diversifying community can be enhanced.

Expected Outcomes

1. Mobilization of knowledge related to sustainable protected and conserved area financing;
2. Capacity development, including practitioner training on various aspects of protected and conserved area financing, including potential sources (e.g., public/private), finance instruments and mechanisms (e.g., grants, subsidies, payments for ecosystem services, carbon offsets, etc.), and a greater understanding of the economic benefits of protected and conserved areas at national, regional, and local levels; and,
3. A workshop synthesis report that summarizes the Canadian protected and conserved area financing landscape (including funding needs, gaps, and priorities) and identifies strategies that can be used to enhance management effectiveness. This information can be used to support national conservation policy and planning in support of the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal GBF, particularly Targets 3 and 19, as well as raising public understanding of the economic benefits of protected and conserved areas.

We look forward to your presence at the Conservation Finance Workshop as we collectively strive to make a positive impact on our environment through innovative financial solutions.

Pricing

Regular Rate: $350 (all-inclusive), $300 (limited: no on-site accommodation)

Includes:

• Full access to in-person workshop and associated activities
• Preliminary resources and tools
• On-site accommodation (unless limited option chosen)
• All meals
• Complimentary shuttle to/from venue (Vancouver to Cheakamus on arrival and departure day)

Student Rate: $200 (all-inclusive), $150 (limited: no on-site accommodation)

• Full access to in-person workshop and associated activities
• Preliminary resources and tools
• On-site accommodation (unless limited option chosen)
• All meals
• Complimentary shuttle to/from venue (Vancouver to Cheakamus on arrival and departure day)

Virtual Participation Rate: $150 (regular), $100 (student)

• Virtual access to hybrid workshop activities and presentations
• Preliminary resources and tools

Registration period open until March 15th or until full.

A centre of excellence for outdoor, environmental, and Indigenous cultural education, and a welcoming place for learning, gathering and sharing in nature.

Established in 1969, Cheakamus Centre is an overnight environmental education facility located on 165 ha of ecological reserve near Squamish, BC. The Centre is located on the traditional territories of the Chi'yakmesh people of Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation in the heart of the newly designated Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Disconnect to Connect

Cheakamus Centre is the natural place to "disconnect to connect". We encourage participants to take advantage of the natural surrounding to unplug and reboot with friends, associates and new acquaintances. Please note that Wifi is limited. Should you need to stay in touch with the outside world during your stay, rest assured Cheakamus Centre receives reliable cellular service.

Nut-restricted facility

Cheakamus Centre is a nut-restricted facility, which includes all meals provided by Cheakamus Centre. In addition, any snacks containing nuts or nut products provided by an individual is strictly prohibited. This also includes any skin care and hair products that may contain nuts. Failure to oblige by this no- nut policy will be subject to a facility cleaning fee.

Onsite Accommodation Information

Cheakamus Centre's log style cabins are tucked away in the forest, which make for peaceful surroundings reflecting life of simpler, less hurried times. Surrounded by nature trails, towering cedars and grassy outdoor spaces, Cheakamus Centre lets you experience nature in its truest form.

Shared Cabins:

The heated rustic cabins can accommodate from 12 to 18 people with 2 shared washrooms. Most cabins can be divided into two separate spaces using a central locked door. Each cabin is appointed with authentic nature-inspired décor.

Private Accommodations:

Cheakamus Centre does not have private accommodations onsite. Should you prefer hotel accommodation, hotels are approximately 10 minutes by car from Cheakamus Centre (but not included in the workshop registration cost)

The ability to share any requests or concerns for sharing accommodations is included in the registration form.

Complimentary Shuttle Information

The complimentary shuttle includes transportation from Vancouver to Cheakamus on arrival and departure days. It does not include transportation to any off-site accommodations.

Vancouver to Cheakamus (Sunday March 24, 2024)

Pick-up locations & times:

• 14h00 - YVR Vancouver International Airport
• 14h45 - Downtown Vancouver
• 15h30 - Horseshoebay Ferry Terminal
• 16h30 - Arrival at Cheakamus Outdoor Education Centre

Cheakamus to Vancouver (Wednesday March 27, 2024)

Drop-off locations & times:

• 10h30 - Depart Cheakamus Outdoor Education Centre
• 11h30 - Horseshoebay Ferry Terminal
• 12h15 - Downtown Vancouver
• 13h00 - YVR Vancouver International Airport

*subject to change. Exact pick up times and locations will be provided closer to the workshop.