BC Needs a Biodiversity Law
Sept. 18, 2024 – by Meg Bjordal, Research and Policy Coordinator
Protecting Biodiversity and Habitat for Species at Risk is the Key to our Shared Futures
BC needs a Biodiversity law, complete with protections for habitat for species-at-risk to ensure a future where wildlife and people can thrive.
British Columbia lists over 1,700 species at risk and counting, yet there is no effective provincial law to protect them or their habitat. Some of BC’s most iconic animals are on this list including southern mountain caribou, grizzly bears and southern resident killer whales. The biggest threat most endangered species face is from habitat loss and degradation.
For example, southern mountain caribou and spotted owls – two of the most threatened wildlife populations in BC, depend on old-growth forests for their homes. Old growth forests are an ecosystem that has long been identified of high conservation importance, but most of it (82%) remains unprotected and clearcutting is continuing.
Photo by Troy Moth as part of the Lichen project. Nuchatlaht territory.
Photo by Troy Moth as part of the Lichen project. Nuchatlaht territory.
Pathway to a Biodiversity Law
Out of rising concern for how old-growth forests are managed in the province, an independent review was conducted and released in 2020. The Old Growth Strategic Review put forward 14 recommendations on how to better manage forests based on wide consultation and expert opinions.
All recommendations from this report were adopted, though none have yet been fully implemented. Some of the recommendations outline conditions required for change, and include the need for legislation that establishes “conservation of ecosystem health and biodiversity of British Columbia’s forests as an overarching priority”.
Out of this recommendation came the draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework. This framework sets the stage for a needed paradigm shift that prioritizes biodiversity and the health of ecosystems above resource extraction. With continued momentum this could lead to a biodiversity law, and even include protections for species at risk and their habitat.
Protecting Biodiversity Benefits Wildlife and People
Protecting habitat for species-at-risk not only provides a future for BC’s favourite wildlife, but also for the people who live and recreate in these important places. Healthy, functioning and connected ecosystems facilitate natural processes and animal movements. Meaning that critical planet support systems like nutrient cycling can occur, and that animals can move as needed to find food, shelter and mates. This also allows for mitigation of climate change effects and better ability to adapt. Protecting and restoring habitat, especially large and interconnected landscapes, makes it possible for biodiversity to thrive and ensures functioning ecosystems.
