MABRRI

News Stories

A wetland with low yellow and light green grass with trees and a mountain range in the background.

VIU-led project working to protect Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region ecosystems

October 3, 2024

Eastern Vancouver Island is one of nine eco-crisis regions in Canada. Only about three per cent of the land in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is protected and private land ownership is the biggest obstacle. To protect terrestrial lands, people must register them in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD). Vancouver Island University (VIU) researchers at the Mount... Read more

A building painted yellow with a white picket fence around it and a flower box with tulips out front.

Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region opens outreach centre in Qualicum Beach

August 6, 2024

Community members can learn and connect at the new centre dedicated to education and community engagement. The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) is hosting a grand opening of its Public Outreach Centre on August 18.  “For the past 10 years we’ve been waiting for the perfect space and this opportunity came up. It seemed like a great fit. It’s right in the heart of Qualicum and easily... Read more

Two Brant gees walk along the shoreline of a beach.

Raising a glass to nature: Brant Wildlife Festival celebrates biodiversity and conservation

March 20, 2024

Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region coordinating this year’s festival, which runs April 5 to 8. Celebrate nature and learn about protecting critical wildlife habitat during the Brant Wildlife Festival. While educating people of all ages about conservation and celebrating the biodiversity of the region are pillars of the festival, participants will also connect with nature through a series of fun... Read more

Jacob Frankel holds up his phone to a sala bush. The green leaves appear on his phone screen.

Nature lovers asked to head outdoors and become citizen scientists during BioBlitz

April 4, 2023

Volunteers can help contribute to biodiversity research by collecting information on flora and fauna. Nature lovers are invited to head outdoors for science during the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) BioBlitz this April. “We’re grateful to everyone who volunteers! Each observation improves our knowledge and understanding of both species and ecosystem health throughout the biosphere,”... Read more

Mandy Hobkirk uses her phone to take photos of pink flowers.

Citizen Scientists Asked to Look for Plants and Animals during Annual MABR BioBlitz

April 1, 2022

Event participants can make observations anywhere within the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, whether that’s in their backyard or a community park. People can channel their inner scientist by participating in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region’s (MABR’s) annual BioBlitz event. The MABR BioBlitz, which runs from April 8-10, relies on citizen scientists to collect information on flora and... Read more

A beach in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere.

Open House Showcases Research Initiatives in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere

March 7, 2022

WHAT: Regional Research, Stewardship and Citizen Science Open House WHEN: Wednesday, March 16, 2-8 pm WHERE: Qualicum Beach Civic Centre Anyone curious about research and community stewardship activities happening in the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) and surrounding area can learn more during the upcoming Regional Research, Stewardship and Citizen Science Open House on March 16.  The... Read more

Graphic of laptop and colour wheel with the text, SDG Training Sessions for Community Groups.

Community Organizations Invited to Learn about United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

October 20, 2021

VIU research institute is offering free training sessions for community groups in Nanaimo, Duncan, Parksville and Powell River. Eradicating poverty. Ending hunger. Tackling climate change. It can seem overwhelming for the average organization or individual to make an impact.  How can someone build a better and more sustainable world? The United Nations has created a blueprint – the 17 Sustainable... Read more

Seven members of the Mid-Island Stewardship Caucus stand in a forest.

New Stewardship Group Creating Formal Space for Organizations to Collaborate

August 5, 2021

The Mid-Island Stewardship Caucus, which includes a VIU research institute, will enhance opportunities to connect and share resources. A newly formed stewardship group is allowing environmental organizations in the mid-Island region to connect, collaborate, and share resources and expertise. The group – the Mid-Island Stewardship Caucus (MISC) – was initiated by the Nanaimo & Area Land Trust... Read more

Members of MABRRI hold sustainable Development Goal icons.

VIU Invites Community to Learn about Sustainable Development through Online Game

June 22, 2021

VIU receives $100,000 from the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program to continue promoting and advancing goals at the University. What would you do if you were in charge of a country? How would you balance the needs of your people against creating a sustainable and equitable future for all? Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region... Read more

Research Project Studies Impacts of Climate Change on Local Plant Species

May 14, 2020

Researchers are examining how plant life cycles are impacted by climate change in an effort to better inform land, resource and conservation management decisions. Many animal and insect species rely on the life cycles of plants budding, blooming, bearing fruit and seeding at specific times of the year for survival, and if the natural cycle changes it can have devastating effects. To determine if... Read more