Vancouver’s iconic Trout Lake in John Hendry Park will be the location of a new floating ecosystem to showcase the social and environmental benefits of aquatic restoration, according to an announcement from water technology intelligence company BlueTech Research.
The floating ecosystem installation was made possible through a partnership between water technology intelligence company BlueTech Research, technology company Biomatrix Water, and the Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation.
Construction of the installation in John Hendry Park is already underway by the team from Biomatrix Water and it could become a permanent feature at Trout Lake. The installation will be launched during BlueTech Forum 2022, which takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on June 7-8. Delegates will have the opportunity to join in the planting of the ecosystem as a collaborative experience.
The Installation
The urban water feature comprises of interlocking floating platforms that will be planted with local flora to create habitats for native species. The mini ecosystem will grow in harmony with the local environment, supporting animals, including fish, birds, amphibians, insects, and microbiology.
Biomatrix floating ecosystems require minimal maintenance and use 100 percent sustainable, recycled, and non-toxic materials. As well as improving water quality, habitat diversity, and mental wellbeing through increased contact with natural spaces, they can also be a source of environmental education — revealing the benefits of aquatic restoration to the public.
“Natural wetland water systems have been increasing biodiversity and water quality and providing habitats for plants and animals for millennia,” said Biomatrix Water managing director Galen Fulford. “The installation of a floating ecosystem at John Hendry Park is an incredible opportunity to help create more thriving ecosystems right within the city of Vancouver.”
BlueTech Forum
BlueTech Forum 2022 will bring together technology and engineering experts from the world of water, along with investors and prominent thought leaders, to forge collaborative solutions to the world’s water challenges.
On 6 June, Forum delegates, park board staff, and members of the community will come together at John Hendry Park with BlueTech Forum’s keynote speakers including anthropologist Wade Davis, and environmental author Paul Hawkin. They will meet the team behind the floating ecosystem and take part in planting saplings onto the installation before it is floated onto the Trout Lake.
The installation will also help offset carbon emissions from the Forum, with a percentage of every ticket going towards its funding. It joins others that Biomatrix Water have installed worldwide, including in the U.K., U.S., Philippines, India, and China.
