Latest news with #Biosphere
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Vancouer Island is Canada's coolest and easier to visit than you might think
Hearing of Brits taking short breaks in the US is not that unusual – but a long weekend in Canada? Yet, flight times and costs are not so different and, for those with a sense of curiosity and adventure, Vancouver Island on the west coast is one destination not to be missed. A short four-night five-day stay in British Columbia's historic capital city Victoria is definitely doable, highly enjoyable and surprisingly affordable. Victoria is beautiful, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island between the Juan de Fuca and Haro Straits, and with its seascapes and pristine coastline it offers visitors plenty to see and do with fabulous places to eat and stay. Destination Greater Victoria, the official not-for-profit marketing group partnered with more than 900 local businesses, is helping drive sustainable growth in the area, and it highlights the city's 'unique' blend of old-world charm and new-world experiences. It says visitors can look forward to a delightful, small and friendly city where they can enjoy heritage architecture, colourful gardens and a variety of activities such as whale watching, kayaking, hiking, cycling and golf. It is also known for its culinary excellence and award-winning beverages. Quite the line-up, then. Victoria also boasts Canada's mildest climate, year-round greenery and natural beauty and is recognised for its sustainability efforts with a Responsible Tourism Institute's Biosphere certification. Set beside the Salish Sea, Victoria lies on the ancestral lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Deeply rooted in its indigenous culture, the area is also proud of its British and royal connections and Asian traditions, all elements reflected in the city's architecture, galleries, cultural events, artworks and celebrations. Indigenous people lived in the harbour area long before British colonists arrived in earnest in the 19th century, pushing the original residents out when they built a fort and other buildings. Today's Victoria took its shape from the fur trading post of the Hudson Bay Company and the city would develop to protect British interests on Vancouver Island. The harbour area is still significant to the indigenous people, now a place to see their artworks as part of the Placemaking Project aimed at connecting residents and visitors to the First Nations' culture. New gates and umbrellas installed at the harbour feature images of whales, birds and sea creatures helping to keep the ancient stories. Esquimalt Nation Hereditary Chief Ed Thomas greets visitors in Lekwungen, the traditional language in southeastern Vancouver Island, and shares stories of the whales and wolves central to his people's story of origin. The history of the indigenous people and the colonisation is also featured among a raft of exhibits and stories told at the Royal BC Museum. You could easily lose yourself for hours taking in the exhibits or an IMAX film. Near the museum is Thunderbird Park, home to colourful hand-carved indigenous totems (or story or knowledge poles). For those seeking excitement, the Malahat SkyWalk attraction is a short bus ride from Victoria. It offers an accessible 650-yard tree walk through a forest leading to a spectacular spiral ramp that sedately takes walkers 105ft up to see breathtaking views. The more intrepid come back down via a spiral slide, which takes about 10 seconds. For those seeking less adrenalin, the 100-year-old Butchart Gardens with its 55 acres of glorious floral displays, fountains and fairground carousel, makes for a pleasant afternoon. Alternatively, you can hop on an electric bike, or ordinary bike, from Pedaler, for a tour – this proved to be a great way to take in the city and its peaceful suburbs. The route took us via British Columbia's Legislative Assembly, colourful Chinatown, Bastion Square, Craigdarroch Castle (built by a wealthy Scottish coal baron), dramatic Oak Bay and Ross Bay Cemetery, where squirrels played and lone deer, unfazed by humans whizzing by, nibbled at the grass. Back in the city, its colonial past dominated the landscape with landmark buildings including the BC Parliament Building with its domed copper roof. The allure of gold also attracted Chinese migrants to the city who would later work on the Canadian Pacific Railway. The city has the oldest Chinatown in Canada and is notable for its historic buildings, lanterns and animal statues. It also has the narrowest commercial street in North America, Fan Tan Alley, once a hub for gambling and opium, now a popular destination for tourists exploring its quirky shops and a popularbakery. The city also offers a host of accommodation to meet all purses, from budget hotels, B&Bs and inns, to some of the most impressive luxury places to rest your head. No visit to Victoria is complete without a visit to the Fairmont Empress hotel, which has a selection of packages and promotions whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or longer trip of a lifetime The award-winning five-star property, known as Canada's 'Castle on the Coast', sits beside the Inner Harbour. Dating back to 1908, the National Historic Site was named for Queen Victoria and is proud of its British connections and royal associations. With 431 rooms and suites, it also includes a hotel-within-a-hotel – the Fairmont Gold experience, with its gorgeous rooms, fine dining and elegant terrace to sip cocktails or enjoy breakfast from its lavish buffet. It has been serving traditional English afternoon tea for well over a century and the menus showcase lavender from the hotel rooftop garden, honey from its own hives and fresh, local produce and exquisitely decorated handmade chocolates. Dainty finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and tempting pastries are served on exquisite china. Carefully selected loose-leaf teas are ethically sourced from leading suppliers and include an intriguing and popular brew coloured blue and aptly named Blue Suede Shoes. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. The hotel is just a stone's throw from downtown Victoria with its many shops, bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes. At the modern Inn at Laurel Point, my luxurious room was light and spacious with a large balcony boasting expansive harbour views, a sumptuous king-size bed and sofa area, as well as a palatial bathroom with a walk-in shower and a deep soak tub to die for. The hotel also has the fabulous Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio where chefs combine regional, farm-direct ingredients and use herbs grown in the hotel garden. There is also a curated wine, craft beer and cocktail list to pair with the quality local ingredients. Just around the corner, passing a young seal playing in the sea, was another treasure waiting to be discovered – Fisherman's Wharf. Its a unique destination with its colourful floating buildings, kiosks and ice cream and seafood vendors and is where you can hop on one of the iconic yellow water taxis. A hop over the water and it was a short walk to Phillips Brewing & Malting Co, a quirky and friendly micro-brewery to sample a heady selection of beers before heading off to Eva Schnitzel restaurant to tuck into a German-inspired supper. So much variety and enjoyment in one city. What a place!
BBC News
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Easter art exhibition with 300 original pieces opens in Douglas
An exhibition showcasing more than 300 pieces of original artwork is open over the Easter annual Easter Art Exhibition, which is organised by the Isle of Man Art Society, runs until Monday and is open from 10:00 until 18:00 BST daily at the Villa Marina Arcade in display showcases work created by the art society's members, and includes oil, acrylic, watercolour and ink art, as well as ceramic, glass and woodcraft Quirk, Secretary of the Isle of Man Art Society said there was a "diverse range of artwork" which meant there was "something for everybody". With work from 92 artists on display, Ms Quirk said: "I try to encourage members to have a go, because it is a real buzz to show your work, and have people comment on it."Manx artists tended to "lean on the benefits of living on the Isle of Man" and the "beauty of our surroundings so inevitably you have nature in most of the artwork here", she Barber, vice chairwoman of Biosphere Isle of Man, which works in partnership with the art society for the exhibition, said the island's unique culture and Biosphere continued to "fuel creativity". The display was a "staple of the Manx cultural calendar", she in the exhibition is artist Janine Skelly's contemporary work depicting Manx harbour scenes, which will be used in an upcoming Isle of Man Post Office stamp collection.A spokesperson for the art society said it was a "wonderful opportunity to engage with the local art community" and "meet the artists behind the masterpieces".The Isle of Man Art Society was founded in 1953 with 28 artists involved, but its membership has since grown to more than 300. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
CBC
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Burlington to give musician Sarah Harmer key to the city as her fight against quarry expansion continues
As singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer prepares to receive the symbolic key to the City of Burlington – in large part for her leadership in a fight against quarry expansion on Mount Nemo – the fate of that quarry is currently in the hands of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT). Harmer will be honoured by her hometown at a ceremony at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre on April 16 at 7 p.m. The honour follows her Humanitarian Award, which she received at the 2025 Juno Awards in March. The award "recognizes an outstanding Canadian artist or industry leader whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and/or whose impact can be felt worldwide." "In 2005, Harmer co-founded Protecting Escarpment Rural Land (PERL), to stop a massive crushed rock quarry on Mount Nemo, part of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve," states the Junos' website. "In 2012, PERL played a key role at the Ontario Joint Board hearing, stopping Lafarge/Nelson Aggregates from destroying endangered species habitats, significant headwater wetlands, and safe and abundant drinking water." Harmer's parents own land in the vicinity of the quarry, which is adjacent to the Mount Nemo Conservation Area, and she grew up there. The quarry, owned by Nelson Aggregates, is located on the Niagara Escarpment in rural north Burlington, on 2 Sideroad between Cedar Springs Road and Guelph Line. The proposal currently before the OLT is the company's second attempt in the last 20 years to expand its footprint. The OLT hearing started March 4 and is scheduled for 60 hearing days. On Thursday, day 22 of the hearing, Harmer was one of dozens of observers watching the proceedings. The hearing will present testimony from experts supporting both Nelson Aggregates, the company looking to expand, local municipalities and the local advocates fighting against the expansion. Harmer, who wrote the song Escarpment Blues based on this situation, says she got involved in the issue through her mom, and is passionate about protecting the natural world. "We put a meeting together in 2005 and have been focused for many years on protecting the well water, endangered species, clean air, and all the things we need to survive," she told CBC Radio's Here and Now in late March. Endangered salamander lives in the area near quarry The company first applied to expand in 2004 and was eventually denied by Ontario's Consolidated Hearings Board (Joint Board) in 2012 on the basis that "Nelson had not made sufficient provision for the protection of these unique ecologic and environmentally sensitive areas" and would encroach on habitat for the Jefferson salamander, an endangered species that resides in the area. In May 2020, it submitted a new application to expand. The new proposal would expand the quarry into a field south of the existing site and into the Burlington Springs Golf and Country Club to the west. In addition to the salamander habitat, local residents have concerns about rock blasting occurring closer to their homes and closer to two nearby pipelines, as well as the environmental impact of extra truck traffic and the potential for the operation to affect the quantity and quality of the groundwater that feeds their wells. The City of Burlington has expressed similar concerns. Its council unanimously passed a sharply worded motion last year requesting the province deny Nelson's proposal. The proponents for the project have vowed to protect natural heritage and groundwater, and said the good from the quarry would outweigh the bad. In an 2021 interview with CBC Hamilton, spokesperson Kevin Powers said the material to be extracted from the quarry, known as dolostone, is in short supply and is needed to build roads and bridges. "It is the highest-strength limestone you can get in Ontario… Where we would like to dig is one of the few areas in Ontario that is licensed and set aside for the extraction of this resource." 40 witnesses will speak over 60 days The OLT hearing is expected to wrap up in mid-June, says Gord Pinard, a member of Conserving our Rural Ecosystems, one of the advocacy groups that has standing in the proceedings. The group has the hearing schedule and a link to the online proceedings on its website. Pinard says about 40 witnesses are expected in the next several weeks. Thursday's proceedings focused on the work done by Dr. Bev Wicks, an ecologist contracted by the quarry to support its proposal. "She is covering one of the very significant topics," said Pinard. Thursday's cross examination related to the quality of the data Wicks based her assumptions on, and revealed that some was obtained by trespassing and was withdrawn by a previous witness. Pinard said he's hoping to get as many eyes on the proceeding as possible. "Our concerns [are] about water quality, and air quality, and safety of the community with blasting and trucking, and the natural environment, including provincially significant wetlands, woodlands and endangered species," he said.
The 961
11-02-2025
- General
- The 961
Who is Nizar Hani, Lebanon's New Minister of Agriculture
Since 2010, Nizar Hani has held the position of Director of the Shouf Cedar Reserve and serves as an advisor to the Protected Areas Department at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Roadmap for Vision 2030 for Protected Areas). He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Food Sciences from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, with the highest honors and a commendation from the committee, and a Master's degree in Agricultural Economics from the Lebanese University. Hani also worked as an environmental specialist overseeing the Shouf Biosphere Reserve at the Ministry of Environment between 2014 and 2020, and as a professor at the faculties of agriculture at the Saint Joseph University and the Lebanese University. In addition to his work, he was elected in 2021 as Vice President of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for North Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. He has been a consultant for the Natural World Heritage for Lebanon's representative at UNESCO since 2023. Hani has also received the Michel Batis UNESCO Award for Humanity and Biosphere Reserves, the Kenton Miller Award from the WCPA of IUCN, and recently, in 2021, the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Star of Italy as a token of appreciation from the Italian Republic.
