CAVI Forum within VIEA Summit: "no one stakeholder group can create the dynamic necessary to balance ecology and economy," says Marianne Stolz
Note to Reader:
The State of the Island Economic Summit hosted by the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) is an important meeting place for building collaboration between communities. Following the keynote address by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of Canada, a featured breakout session on October 15th was the “Forum within the Summit” organized by the CAVI (Convening for Action on Vancouver Island) initiative.
The Forum comprised two parts: in Hour #1, LOOK BACK; and in Hour #2, LOOK AHEAD. To lead off Hour #2, a panel of four provided a continuum of perspectives: business, academia, provincial-agricultural, and local government. Marianne Stolz provided a business perspective in representing the VIEA Board.
Balance Ecology and Economy
“As a Director, I represent VIEA on the CAVI Leadership Team. One of VIEA’s primary objectives is to promote a sustainable and diversified economy on Vancouver Island. To achieve this objective, VIEA promotes collaboration between all stakeholders groups,” stated Marianne Stolz.
“The LINK PROJECT proved to be a significant roadmap for VIEA; as it helped to identify all the industry sectors, First Nations and local government groups that will be needed to help shape the future of Vancouver Island. One thing that became very clear following the LINK PROJECT was; no one stakeholder group can create the dynamic necessary to balance ecology and economy on Vancouver Island.”
“Moving forward, VIEA recognizes the need to work together collectively in order to see Vancouver Island grow, prosper and become a sustainable economy.”
VIEA Collaboration with CAVI Initiative
“CAVI’s initiative based approach clearly demonstrates its efforts to form a cohesive alliance with all stakeholders. Particularly as it relates to such a fundamental component of sustainable living; the need for effective water management”
“Given the pristine nature of Vancouver Island’s watersheds, we have a unique opportunity NOW to find solutions that will demonstrate how land development can work in tandem with a sustainable watershed management plan.”
“VIEA continues to provide regional support and leadership by promoting the efforts of groups like CAVI. “They are an integral part of creating the Vancouver Island’s future. By working together we can show how important collaboration is to the success of Vancouver Island.”
Help Create a Legacy
“We need to keep things in perspective; Vancouver Island is an emerging market. We have a population of less than 1 million people. We are a small community, but we are an Island-wide community. We need to embrace that, and we need to work together.”
“We recognize and respect all stakeholder groups and what each party can bring to the table. If we embrace that approach, we can succeed. Vancouver Island has a unique opportunity to globally showcase how innovation and collaboration can create sustainable communities by balancing the ecology and economy.”
“Both VIEA and CAVI recognize the challenges facing Vancouver Island communities now, over the next 50 years and beyond. We encourage everyone who attended the Summit to become part of the group shaping the legacy for our children,” concluded Marianne Stolz.
