VALUE PROPOSITIONS

CONNECTIONS – THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE
A central theme of PODS is to explore how we can work together with nature towards a better future. PODS will connect community members with one another and with the living world around them, through engagement, stewardship activities, adventures in nature, arts and cultural programs, and workshops.

CULTURE – HERITAGE AND HISTORY
PODS will foster meaningful connections and collaboration with the shíshálh Nation, showcase the archaeological value of the region, and provide interpretive resources which reflect the importance of Pender Harbour to Indigenous cultures. PODS will feature historical records, artifacts, and folklore from past centuries, with an emphasis on the extraordinary historical significance of Irvines Landing and the Salish Sea.

RESEARCH – IN SEARCH OF SOLUTIONS
Local, national, and international researchers will find support from PODS for their studies of marine and freshwater ecosystems in our region, particularly research focused on ecological responses to climate change, anthropogenic effects on biodiversity, and strategies to preserve habitats and species at risk and ensure sustainable and productive coastal ecosystems for local populations. We are especially interested in how biodiversity and archaeology across the landscape relate to past and future resource management.

MONITORING – LONG-TERM TRENDS
Long-term monitoring programs will be established through PODS to better understand spatial and temporal variation in our local aquatic ecosystems and investigate how biodiversity relates to the cultural landscape. First Nations, universities, non-profits, and other organizations will be encouraged to collaborate with us to establish a network of monitoring stations using corresponding and consistent protocols and methodologies. PODS Field Supervisors will actively recruit Citizen Scientists of all ages who will be trained to support experienced crews in the field.

EDUCATION – HOPE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
PODS will create outreach programs for schools at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels, with a focus on providing opportunities for youth of vulnerable populations. Educational programs will align with existing curricula, including cultural history, environmental sciences, outdoor recreation, fisheries management, and community stewardship. We will also provide a wide variety
of learning opportunities for adults and seniors such as workshops, environmental protection courses, and mentoring youth.

PROTECTION – CONSERVING OUR FUTURE
Preserving and enhancing the long-term environmental health of the region is central to the PODS mission. We will create and maintain active conservation and restoration programs, promote the establishment of a wide variety of conservation areas, and serve as a hub for sharing information and knowledge with decision-makers to inform economically viable and culturally sensitive land use strategies.

ECONOMICS – THE VALUE OF NATURE
At PODS, interpretive displays and virtual aquarium galleries will showcase the cultural landscape of the Sunshine Coast and help attract additional visitors to the Pender Harbour area. Increased visitors and employment opportunities will help bolster the year-round economy and keep businesses viable throughout the winter months. In turn, this will encourage more families and young people to consider making Pender Harbour their permanent home. 

CONFLUENCE – ART AND SCIENCE AS ONE
Scientific knowledge is often difficult to communicate, but the arts provide
an incredible opportunity for understanding, sharing, and transmitting scientific ideas. At PODS, arts and science will combine to create more diverse understandings of, and connections with, the natural world. PODS will provide performance, meeting, and exhibition spaces, as well as dynamic indoor and outdoor gathering places, including a spacious outdoor plaza.

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