Page 4 - podsinanutshell

1. THE NEED FOR PODS

AUDITORIUM
SHUTTLE SERVICE
CARETAKERS RESEARCH LABS TO MADEIRA
COTTAGE
MARINE
GALLERIES
DISCOVERY POD
EXPLORER POD

360 °
THEATRE
PODS FRESHWATER GASTROPOD TERRACE
MAIN ENTRANCE GALLERIES RESTAURANT OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL
ENTRANCE TO ENTRANCE STAGE PROTECTION UNIT
UNDERGROUND LOBBY
PARKING

1.1 Research – In Search of Discovery 1.2 Monitoring – Long-Term Trends
Pender Harbour is an ideal location for In recent years, the Sunshine Coast has seen
environmental research, with a huge variety the scaling back of both Marine Protected Area
of biodiversity in easy reach of researchers. PODS will surveillance and government monitoring of the northern
provide support for studies on aquatic ecosystems, with Salish Sea. PODS will fi ll this gap by establishing long-
emphasis on research related to species at risk, ecological term monitoring of temporal and spatial changes in
responses to climate change, and anthropogenic effects on the biodiversity of both fresh and marine waters of the
biodiversity. With the anticipated consequences of climate Sunshine Coast, so that we can make informed decisions
change and the loss of local biodiversity over the past about the management and protection of these valuable
few decades, there is no more urgent time to conduct natural resources.
scientifi c research.

1.3 Education – Hope for the Future 1.4 Protection – Conservation and
Over the last decade, the average age of Enhancement
Sunshine Coast residents has steadily Understanding why ecosystems are declining
increased, and school enrollment has declined. Virtually is the fi rst step; we must also fi nd solutions
all post-secondary science programs have been shelved. to mitigate future declines. PODS will develop social and
PODS will bring back opportunities for science education economic incentives that encourage conservation on a local
via programs that align with existing elementary/secondary scale. We will work with the community to identify potential
curricula, as well as fi eld-based courses that offer post- protected areas and establish a network of sites that
secondary credit. This will encourage young people and conserve as many ecosystems, habitats, species,
families to consider the Coast as a settlement option. and populations as possible. Encouraging community
investment will help to ensure that conservation programs
continue in perpetuity.
2