AFI WEBINAR SERIES N°1: INSPIRING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FROM METRO VANCOUVER

Through the Americas Flyways Initiative (AFI), founded by Audubon, BirdLife, and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), we continue to pave the way for integrating nature-based solutions and sustainable development.

On November 29, 2024, we hosted the first session of our webinar series, designed to highlight best practices and promote the initiative’s key resources. The session, titled “Leveraging Integrated Design in Metro Vancouver Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure Projects: Practices and Policies to Catalyze Nature-Based Solutions”, showcased an innovative model for sustainable development.

Design Concept – Iona Island | @Metro Vancouver

During the event, experts Lea Elliott, Senior Policy Analyst and Biologist at the Metro Vancouverv Regional District, and Matthew Woodruff, Principal Architect at Local Practice Architecture and Design, shared insights on how the integrated design of the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Project (Canada) aims to improve water quality, restore estuarine health, and create essential habitats for migratory birds.

The “Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant” is one of AFI’s Nido Projects—the first of its kind focused on knowledge management to spotlight best practices being implemented across the Americas. This model has the potential to be replicated throughout the hemisphere, benefiting communities, birds, and nature as a whole.

Iona Beach Regional Park | @Metro Vancouver

In line with these objectives, we provide specialists and project structuring teams with the AFI Guide for Structuring Investment Projects Focused on Water and Basic Sanitation, a key tool for integrating bird conservation into sustainable infrastructure projects. This resource, along with additional materials, is available in our official repository.

The recording of this inspiring session is now available (Password: WEBINAR). We invite water and infrastructure project specialists, investors, and structuring teams to explore these tools and discover how this innovative approach can serve as a model for projects across the continent.

Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to linking the conservation of migratory birds with sustainable regional development, promoting projects that balance community well-being, environmental sustainability, and economic feasibility.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | @Wikimedia.com

Contact us:

  • Santiago Aparicio
  • Director of the Initiative
  • Mauricio Velasquez
  • CAF
  • Lucía Rodríguez
  • Flyways Conservation Manager - BirdLife.