This in-depth video series explores how communities in the Salish Sea and beyond can lead carbon stewardship efforts that are collaborative, Indigenous-led, and rooted in ecological regeneration. Whether you’re a carbon project beginner or policy wonk, these episodes provide insight, tools, and real-world examples of nature-based climate solutions.
Host: Transition Salt Spring & Raincoast Conservation Foundation
Event Date: March 17, 2021
Watch all 9 episodes below
Episode 1: Carbon 101 — The Basics of Carbon Projects
Presenters: Dirk Brinkman & Briony Penn
Opening Blessing: W̱IĆKINEM (Erik Pelkey), Hereditary Chief of Tsawout
A clear and accessible introduction to nature-based carbon projects, including definitions of key terms like “leakage” and “additionality.” With over 30 years of combined experience, Dirk and Briony walk viewers through how and why to co-manage blue and green carbon efforts. Illustrated with diagrams and hand-drawn visuals.
Episode 2: Carbon 202 — From Projects to Credits
Presenter: Robert Seaton
Opening Blessing: W̱IĆKINEM (Erik Pelkey)
An intermediate workshop that explains how carbon projects become carbon credits. Robert Seaton shares 40 years of on-the-ground experience to make the implementation process relatable, using real-world analogies and practical steps.
Episode 3: Carbon Projects in Canada — National Perspectives
Moderator: Joseph Pallant
Panelists: Daimen Hardie, Garry Wouters, Satnam Manhas, Robert Seaton
Experts from across Canada share challenges and innovations in both forest and wetland carbon projects. Topics include Indigenous-led projects, blue carbon potential, and what’s needed to expand Canada’s carbon efforts.
Episode 4: The Hidden Carbon of Old Growth Forests — Lessons from Fungi
Presenter: Marty Kranabetter
West Coast soil scientist Marty Kranabetter shares insights from forest soils and fungi. Explore the deep relationships between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi, and how biodiversity and carbon sequestration are intertwined in old growth ecosystems.
Episode 5: Carbon Projects in the Salish Sea — A Political & Cultural Lens
Moderator: Briony Penn
Panelists: Elizabeth May, Adam Olsen, Erik Pelkey, Gary Holman, Deb Morrison
A wide-ranging discussion on climate policy, Indigenous leadership, and civic engagement in the Gulf Islands. This panel tackles the practical and political complexities of launching nature-based carbon projects in the Salish Sea.
Episode 6: Policy Instruments for Salish Sea Carbon Projects
Presenters: Dirk Brinkman & Briony Penn
Policy change is essential. This session highlights the importance of co-management and critiques timber-centric models that must be reimagined to support carbon stewardship rooted in reciprocity and regeneration.
Episode 7: Technical Tools for Salish Sea Carbon Projects
Presenters: Robert Seaton & Joseph Pallant
This talk covers the tools (such as protocols and metrics) that support carbon project design. The presenters stress that carbon should be a byproduct of ecosystem health, not the end goal.
Episode 8: International Case Study — What We Can Learn from New Zealand
Presenter: Malcolm Penn
New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme has been running since 2008. Malcolm Penn shares key takeaways from its success and challenges, offering lessons for future carbon stewardship projects in the Salish Sea.
Episode 9: Workshop Wrap-up & Community Action
Presenters: Shauna Doll, Ruth Waldick, Bryan Young
This closing session summarizes the day’s breakout discussions and asks: What could an Indigenous/civic carbon stewardship project look like here? How can participants get involved?
About Raincoast Conservation Foundation
Raincoast is a team of scientists and conservationists working to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife of coastal BC through science, collaboration, and advocacy.
Learn more: www.raincoast.org