Outcomes

Outcomes of the pilot project

Interactive Digital Map of Xetthecum:

We created an interactive digital map of Xetthecum to demonstrate the potential of the ecocultural mapping framework our team co-designed through this pilot project.

Open Source Ecocultural Mapping Framework:

The open source platform we developed is a novel JavaScript extension of R Markdown/Quarto that allows one to publish maps and data visualizations that integrate biodiversity data, geospatial data, multimedia content, as well as virtually any data visualization or analysis that one can implement in R. The platform is based on WebGL for mapping and is highly responsive across platforms. This preliminary framework elaborates a comprehensive, albeit imperfect, methodology for documenting biodiversity, ecocultural resources, and stories of culturally important places in the Salish Sea.

Integration of Indigenous Wisdom and Western Scientific Practice:

Our participatory mapping framework effectively incorporates Indigenous wisdom and knowledge alongside Western scientific practices, ensuring a holistic and inclusive approach to understanding and stewarding the landscape.

Identification of Ecological and Cultural Dimensions:

The project has identified important ecological and cultural dimensions of the landscape, serving as a valuable framework for conservation efforts and private land stewardship initiatives.

Building Upon Past Efforts:

By leveraging previous participatory mapping exercises and local resources, we have built upon past efforts to document the eco-cultural values of the Galiano Island landscape, enriching our digital map with valuable insights and knowledge.

Promotion of Skill-sharing and Knowledge Exchange:

The project has fostered intergenerational, cross-cultural, multidisciplinary, and transboundary skill-sharing and knowledge exchange, nurturing eco-cultural mapping as a professional conservation practice among the next generation of land stewards.

Integration of New Technologies:

We successfully applied new technologies, including the use of drones to capture aerial orthoimagery, enhancing the resolution of existing terrestrial ecosystem mapping data and improving the accuracy and detail of our digital map.

Exploration of Ongoing Monitoring Practices:

Through collaboration with regional and local agencies, as well as members of the Galiano Island community, we have explored the potential for developing ongoing biodiversity and eco-cultural monitoring practices. This collaborative effort aims to sustain our work into the future, ensuring continued stewardship of the landscape.

These outcomes reflect our commitment to holistic, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to eco-cultural mapping and conservation, driving positive impacts both for the environment and communities involved.

Completed since the 2024 report

Several of the next steps identified at the close of the pilot have since been completed:

Public launch of the website and story map:

Following review and consultation with contributing Puneluxutth’ Knowledge-Holders, project sponsors, partners, and advisors, the Xetthecum Ecocultural Mapping website and story map have been shared with the public.

Expanded Indigenous perspectives in the story map:

The Xetthecum story map was updated to include more perspectives from Indigenous community members, including threads shared by Puneluxutth’ elder Augie Sylvester at our February 2024 gathering.

2023 BioBlitz data and story:

We completed the curation of the 2023 BioBlitz data and incorporated a side-narrative on the BioBlitz outcomes into the project.

Exhibition and workshop at Yellowhouse Makery:

We held a Fall exhibition and workshop at Yellowhouse Makery, sharing the project with the Galiano Island community.