News release

For immediate release

 

Greater Victoria, BC – A total of $1,000 was handed out to the winners of the One Planet Student Challenge competition during a ceremony at the Cedar Hill Golf Course on June 8.

Part of the One Planet BC initiative, the challenge is in collaboration with the District of Saanich and supported by the Capital Regional District as well as the City of Victoria. Through the challenge, middle and secondary school students in Greater Victoria shared their ideas on how to bring ‘One Planet Living’ into our lives.

“We thank the students for the ideas they have shared, including protecting and expanding our natural areas, creatively reusing waste materials, encouraging more walking and transit use, expanding urban farming, community-building and more – these are all key building blocks of a healthy and sustainable community,” said Saanich Councillor and CRD Chair Colin Plant.

A few highlights from the winning submissions include:

• Jayla Boudewyn’s captivating illustration spotlights how small actions can make a big impact, visualizing “a world where bees thrive, waste is minimized, and communities come together to support one another.” 

• Emily Kingsford’s poetic illustration shows how climate change affects the lives of animals on the land, saying, “I've painted this scene describing a stag looking back at the past as he steps into the future. It shows that if we work together, we can re-forest the world. It's not too late to change the future.” 

• Sapphira Skuter’s video takes us on a journey through some of her most loved green spaces in Saanich, showing us how “green spaces in our communities connect us to each other, our history and the life around us.”  

“Your submissions are inspiring, and they help us see your vision for the future of our community. Climate change is an urgent challenge, and we know it will take us all working together if we’re going to make a difference. That’s part of what makes the One Planet Initiative so great; it brings members of the community together to work on sustainable solutions that will have significant impacts on our lives,” said Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock.

“Thank you to the incredible students who participated in the One Planet Student Challenge and shared their vision for a sustainable future in our region. You hold the power to shape our tomorrow, and your innovative solutions and unwavering commitment inspire us all. You have reminded us that a sustainable future is not an abstract concept, but rather a tangible reality that we must construct together. I urge you to continue to champion your ideas, raise your voices and ensure that your sustainable future becomes a living reality,” said Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto.

The winning submissions will be available on the One Planet BC website on Monday, June 12.

Organizations advancing One Planet Living in the region were also featured at the event. Some examples include PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation’s work to restore and revitalize native ecosystems and build food security in the W̱SÁNEĆ homelands,community building and place-making at the Oaklands Rise Woonerf, and Power to Be’s programs focused on helping people of all abilities enjoy nature.

The One Planet celebration event and the student challenge build on the work of One Planet BC, which brings together organizations across the region to take action on sustainability using the ‘One Planet Living’ approach. One Planet Living means enabling fair, healthy and meaningful lives for all, in ways that ensure our planet can also thrive.

The 10 One Planet Principles – including health and happiness, sustainable food and zero waste – serve as a lens to guide action. These One Planet Living principles and framework are being used around the world – by individuals, businesses, and communities. 

See oneplanetbc.com for more highlights of One Planet initiatives. 

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Contact: 

One Planet BC 
Cora Hallsworth, Lead
250-580-7423
cora@chrmc.ca 

District of Saanich 
Rebecca Newlove
Manager of Sustainability
250-475.7118
rebecca.Newlove@saanich.ca