Welcome words from Global CCNet Chair

On behalf of the CCNet Board and our event's planning committee, I'm delighted to welcome you to the 2022 Conservation Coaches Rally. We are pleased to be able to bring this event to you after the long road we have been on to host an in-person event with the ongoing disruptions around the world caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. Our venue is The Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175, Beach Drive, Victoria BC, V8S 2N2 (https://www.oakbaybeachhotel.com) and we acknowledge and respect the Lekwungen nation, of the Songhees, Esquimalt and W̱SÁNEĆ nations on whose territories we will be gathering. We are fortunate that Songhees and Esquimalt leaders will attend the Rally and welcome us to their lands and waters. We will also have a performance by Traditional Lekwungen Dancers on our community celebration.

The theme for the Rally, Strengthening Connections to Our People and Planet, aptly reflects our desire as a network to come back together to re-connect and share our individual and collective knowledge and experiences as coaches. In addition to the pandemic, the earth has a dual crisis of unprecedented biodiversity loss and rapid climate change - our network represents a critical initiative in bringing so many of us together to encourage collaboration in addressing these issues. During the Rally you will be presented with a range of activities, including plenary events, skill-training workshops, sessions and working groups to share approaches, explore problems, and advance guidance materials - as well as unstructured time to foster networking. We will offer 15 interactive sessions, all offered by peers for peers, focusing on member needs and addressing issues important to the future practice of conservation. This year’s innovations and tools marketplace will be inspired by a traditional saying from the Pacific Northwest that states that “when the tide goes out, the table is set”. This year we are expecting 120 participants from 20 different countries which will provide a rich exchange and learning experience throughout the Rally. We are grateful to the Conservation Measures Partnership, the Rally planning committee, our donors, and the many workshop leaders who made this gathering possible. Unfortunately, I will not be able to join the Rally this year, but I will be with you in spirit and look forward to learning the outcomes from the various sessions.

Michael Looker

Chair, Conservation Coaches Network