Sustainable Development Goals
Weaving SDGs into GWAS Programs
The Sustainability Interpretive Program is a 24-month initiative led by the Gorge Waterway Action Society to make the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) accessible, relevant, and actionable at the community level. Delivered through the Gorge Waterway Nature House and targeted outreach to schools and community groups, the program focuses on Climate Action, Life Below Water, and Life on Land, with an emphasis on youth engagement, underserved audiences, and place-based learning. By employing dedicated Sustainability Interpreters, the project will translate global sustainability goals into locally meaningful education.
The program aims to increase sustainability literacy, empower community members to take tangible environmental action, address inequities in environmental education, and strengthen long-term relationships between the organization and the wider community.
Goal 13: Climate Action
SDG 13 calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. It focuses on strengthening resilience to climate related hazards and disasters, while integrating climate measures into national policies and planning.
2010-2019 was the warmest decade ever recorded, and we’re on track to continue breaking weather temperature records, while facing more severe weather events and climate disasters globally. Climate change is affecting every country in the world. In British Columbia, we’ve faced devastating wildfire seasons, heat waves, and catastrophic flooding that disrupted our economy and communities!
Goal 14: Life Below Water
SDG 14 calls to conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources. It recognizes that ocean health affects water, weather, climate, food, and oxygen. It aims to reduce marine pollution, protect ecosystems, and end overfishing.
Oceans regulate the Earth's climate and are the planet’s largest ecosystem, home to nearly a million discovered species! However, ocean ecosystems face growing threats from warming, acidification, unsustainable resource extraction, habitat loss and pollution. The Gorge Waterway was historically heavily polluted by sewage and industrial chemicals. Since 1990, major restoration efforts have greatly improved its health, but more work remains!
Goal 15: Life on Land
SDG 15 aims to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, and combat desertification and biodiversity loss. It also focuses on sustainable land and water use and stopping poaching and trafficking of protected species.
Forests cover 30% of the planet’s land, and are home to more than 80% of all terrestrial species of plants and animals. Human activity has caused severe loss and degradation of these ecosystems, leading to increased carbon emissions, loss of livelihood, fragmentation and species extinction. In British Columbia, terrestrial ecosystems face many threats such as logging, wildfires, pests and climate change, leading to increased loss of ecosystems, biodiversity and wildlife habitat.
WHAT WE DO
IN-PARK PROGRAMMING
GWAS’ programming is designed to be flexible and customizable to groups of all ages, sizes, and environmental interests! We offer in-park educational programming out of the Gorge Waterway Nature House and in the native ecosystems of Esquimalt Gorge Park. Join us to learn about why bats echolocate, how a watershed works… and everything in between!
IN-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING
Can’t make it to the Nature House? GWAS offers several travelling programs, in which we bring nature to you! Learn about the life and legacy of a bee, the sounds of the Salish Sea, and more with our In-School Programming! Our In-School Programs are adaptable to various grades and learning styles.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
At GWAS, we are passionate about building meaningful connections with local communities. Through our community outreach, we engage with individuals, schools, and other organizations to provide education, volunteer opportunities, and pathways that foster stronger connections between people and nature.
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Nature House Exploration
Grade Pre K-12, 30 minutes - 1 Hour
Step inside the Nature House for hands-on exploration! Specimens, a touch tank with live animals, infographics, books, microscopes and more… means there is something for everyone! Nature Interpreters will be your guide as your group explores the Nature House and its exhibits.
Hands-On Ecological Restoration Party
Grade 3-12, 30 minutes - 1 Hour
A great option for energetic and large groups, ecological restoration work brings students outdoors and into the flow state of working with their hands! GWAS provides all of the gloves, equipment, and demonstrations to lead groups through invasive species removals in Esquimalt Gorge Park, empowering them to steward native ecosystems in their community.
Build-a-Bee Workshop
Grade K-5, 45 minutes - 1 Hour
Through interactive demonstrations, specimen viewing, and a build-a-bee craft activity, students will learn about pollinators and their importance to our food and ecosystems. Topics include habitat, native species, pollination, biodiversity, and food systems.
Nature Walk in Esquimalt Gorge Park
Grade Pre K-12, 30 minutes - 1 Hour
A walk in beautiful Esquimalt Gorge Park can take on educational perspectives for all ages and interests. Topics include native and invasive plant species, birds, pollinators; and potential activities include nature BINGO, Scavenger hunt, Colour Walks, and more.
Gorge Watershed Model Demonstration
Grade K-12, 30 minutes
With our Gorge Watershed model, there’s a whole world at your students’ fingertips- or at least a whole watershed! Learn about the geography of the Gorge, common pollutants to urban watersheds, and ways to steward one’s local watershed, all through an interactive and engaging lesson at the Gorge Waterway Nature House.
Much More To Explore!
Don't hesitate to reach out
These are just a few of our program highlights! To learn more and receive a full list of our updated programs, please email us at: outreach@gorge.ca
INTERESTED IN BOOKING?
If you’re interested in booking or learning more, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing us at: outreach@gorge.ca
We are continually developing new programs and themes. If there is a specific topic you are interested in, please feel free to reach out, as we may be able to incorporate it into our offerings.
Our programs are offered on a by donation basis. For school programs, the suggested donation is $50 for one hour of programming. Private programs are $5 per participant, with a minimum donation of $100.
We want our programs to be accessible to everyone! If cost is a barrier, please reach out.
OUR FUNDERS
We extend a huge thank you to our funders, who provide the necessary funds for us to carry out the Sustainability Interpretive Program! We could not do this work without their generous support.
