Resilient Coasts for Salmon is part of the PSF
Marine Science Program
A key objective of the Resilient Coasts for Salmon project is to build the capacity of individuals and communities to make informed shoreline management decisions by supporting the delivery of Green Shores training. Green Shores training increases knowledge and skills needed to balance human needs for the protection of property and infrastructure with environmental needs, such as clean water, wildlife habitat, and unimpeded natural shoreline processes. Decision-making based on this knowledge and skill are key to coastal resiliency in BC. By building awareness of, and capacity for, nature-based solutions, the Green Shores program is helping to protect shoreline habitats that are critical to supporting the coastal food web, which includes Pacific salmon, forage fish, and killer whales
The Stewardship Centre undertook a study (2015) to consider how best to promote public understanding and uptake of nature-based solutions for shoreline management. This study showed that many shoreline professionals, including municipal staff, local government decision-makers, and stewardship groups, were unfamiliar with Green Shores nature-based approaches that can balance human needs with environmental needs leading to coastal resilience. Based on these results, the Stewardship Centre developed and now delivers training in Green Shores. Check out this page to learn more about the three levels of Green Shores training!
Today, in 2024, people are more familiar with Green Shores and the concept of ecosystem services, their importance, and how applying nature-based solutions can help preserve or restore them. Numerous reports in mainstream media support “leveraging” ecosystem services as an economical and effective way for communities to build resiliency and adapt to climate change. This growing awareness among waterfront homeowners, communities, and professionals has piqued interest in moving away from using seawalls and riprap to protect against erosion and employing nature-based solutions instead. This is driving increased demand for shoreline professionals with the knowledge, experience, and practical skills to design and implement nature-based projects for shoreline restoration.
A recent survey conducted by the Stewardship Centre for BC suggests that approximately 75% of Level 1 and Level 2 trainees are shoreline practitioners, such as coastal engineers, landscape architects, ecologists, and conservation biologists.
Of those respondents, 75% have already progressed to Level 2 training and are interested in taking Level 3. Of the remaining 25%, 80% are waiting for their chance to progress to higher training. Demand for Green Shores Level One and Two training continues to grow, requiring the University of Victoria to manage a waiting list for hopeful registrants.
When asked about the main obstacles to accessing higher levels of Green Shores training, 100% of respondents replied that the lack of available opportunities is a factor. More frequent Level 2 training opportunities would be helpful. Location, accessibility, and scheduling conflicts are also contributing factors for some.
Building capacity of shoreline professionals may increase the number of nature-based shoreline projects
As Resilient Coasts for Salmon continues to offer Green Shores training to homeowners and shoreline professionals, there will be a larger pool of talent for project proponents that can give advice and help to implement Green Shores nature-based projects. To date, the RC4S project has supported a total of 17 Green Shores training workshops to 257 participants. This training will ultimately lead to increased community awareness and capacity to apply nature-based solutions throughout coastal British Columbia.
Comments from Green Shores Professionals
“Green Shores affords professionals a critical tool in helping draw awareness to the importance of shoreline stewardship in coastal communities. The program provides a pathway for managing and improving shorelines, especially in the face of accelerating threats from sea level rise. It is an invaluable tool for coastal professionals and coastal communities that are interested in preserving or restoring a wider range of shoreline values.” - Paul de Greeff, Green Shores Approved Professional
“Green Shores level 1 provided a fantastic introduction to the Green Shores program through engaging presentations and practical demonstrations. Course participants included professionals from various disciplines who each brought a wealth of knowledge, adding a great mix of perspectives to the course discussions. As an employee of a municipality with policies that encourage a Green Shores approach, this course provided me with the information I need to help educate residents on how to protect our shorelines.” - Hannes Hannesson, GS Level 1 Training participant
“I love that my business can protect waterfront properties while also creating natural shorelines that support local plants, animals and fish.” - Parksville Heavy Equipment, GS Level 1 Training Participant
“Green Shores level 1 sets the stage, focusing on Green Shores for homes. It provided a very good introduction to the program. But Level 2 was awesome. You really get a sense of the amazing things that could be accomplished if this accreditation became as widespread as LEEDS. Both courses also provided great opportunities for networking and collaborating with everyone from homeowners to multi-levels of government, private industry, and beyond. I can't wait to see how far this can go, and I am really looking forward to completing level 3.” – Morgan Tidd, GS Level 2 Training participant.
Expanding Professional Capacity along the East Coast of Vancouver Island
Increasing the number of shoreline practitioners with knowledge about the Green Shores framework will benefit everyone who wants to minimize the impacts of shoreline development. Each project completed contributes to protecting shoreline property and infrastructure, improving the health of ecosystems supporting salmon and other wildlife, and increasing community resilience to the effects of climate change.
Learn more about the different levels of Green Shores Training.
If you are interested in taking Green Shores training on Vancouver Island, please be sure to visit the Green Shores upcoming training page. If there are no courses available, please sign in to your online account with the University of Victoria Continuing Education and add your name to their wish list to be advised of the next available course offering. If you do not currently have an account with UVIC, you can create one for free.