Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes case studies of successful examples where communities come together and manage sensitive ecosystems in Japan and the Pacific Islands, and Canada’s Magdalen Islands. It provides detailed descriptions of the uniqueness of the Sound. The book examines an example of how economics can be a positive driver rather than a negative one in the use of sensitive ecosystems for economic gain. On coastal British Columbia (BC), between Denman Island and Vancouver Island, lies Baynes Sound, a rather understated name for one of coastal BC’s most ecologically and biologically sensitive regions of the coast. The co-editors conclude with a discussion on solutions, arising in part, from the open dialogue session where all stakeholders and participants from SFU’s gathering expressed how a community may move forward to better manage and protect the Sound.