The Cowichan region on Vancouver Island, Canada, has been recognized as a sustainable tourism destination by receiving the Biosphere Certified label. This milestone reinforces its commitment to sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Canadian region of Cowichan, located on Vancouver Island (British Columbia), has officially joined the international Biosphere community of sustainable destinations after receiving the Biosphere Certified label. This recognition confirms the effective implementation of practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tourism Cowichan, the entity in charge of managing and promoting tourism in the region, began its sustainability journey by joining as a Biosphere Committed destination in the fall of 2023, with a firm goal of achieving full certification. After a process of continuous improvement and collective commitment, that goal has become a reality.
This certification represents a new milestone for sustainable tourism in Canada, establishing Tourism Cowichan as a strategic actor in transforming the tourism model toward more responsible, inclusive approaches focused on environmental regeneration and the well-being of local communities.
Cowichan is a region known for its natural richness, strong agricultural heritage, and growing artisanal culinary scene. Located on Vancouver Island, it stands out for its vast forests, rivers, scenic coastlines, and mild climate that allows for year-round tourism.
In addition to its landscapes, Cowichan is home to more than 20 diverse communities, including 10 Indigenous communities, making it a multicultural destination deeply committed to social sustainability. Tourism Cowichan, the entity leading this transformation, represents over 700 tourism-related businesses committed to a development model that respects both the environment and the social fabric.
Obtaining the Biosphere Certified label is the result of a rigorous process of continuous improvement, which has verified that Cowichan meets international standards for sustainable tourism across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Thanks to this achievement, Cowichan joins a global network of destinations committed to the 17 United Nations SDGs.
Among its main areas of action, Tourism Cowichan actively works to:
Cowichan’s inclusion as a certified destination reinforces Canada's leadership in sustainable tourism in North America. With this certification, the region positions itself as an example of best practices in responsible tourism marketing, community inclusion, heritage respect, and environmental protection.
At Biosphere, we welcome Tourism Cowichan as a new member of our international community of certified destinations and congratulate its entire team for the strategic vision demonstrated by adopting a sustainability management system aligned with global challenges and the values promoted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).