The coast is our lifeline. These regions where the land meets the sea serve an irreplaceable role in ecological health, our well-being, and livelihood. Unfortunately, our coastal environment faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, pollution, overharvesting, and the intensifying impacts of climate change.
That’s why we launched Blueprint for the Coast – a collaborative campaign between CPAWS-BC and West Coast Environmental Law to implement a Coastal Marine Strategy and law that is co-developed and co-managed with First Nations.
BC needs a Blueprint for the Coast
An effective Coastal Marine Strategy and law has the potential to…
- Advance reconciliation by encouraging Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and Guardians programs
- Support biodiverse, resilient ecosystems that are able to mitigate the impacts of climate change and provide a respite for species at risk
- Prepare coastal communities for the impacts of climate change
- Establish a home for coastal marine issues within the provincial government to ensure effective work between Indigenous, federal, and local governments
Ask Government for a Coastal Law
Stand up for the coast by sending a letter to Premier Eby, stating you want to see B.C.’s Coastal Marine Strategy enshrined into law!
Panel Discussions
Turning the Tide on BC’s Marine Pollution Crisis
Plastic debris, contaminated shellfish, and immune-compromised killer whales – it’s no secret that BC is facing a marine pollution crisis. Learn how marine pollution impacts water quality, traditional shellfish harvests, and the endangered Southern Resident killer whales.
Turning the Tide on BC’s Coastal Habitat Loss
Coastal habitats play a vital role in supporting biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Get to know these ecosystems, how they’re being impacted by coastal development, and what we can do to support their revitalization.
Turning the Tide on BC’s Coastal Law
Have you ever wondered who makes decisions about coastal issues in British Columbia? What laws are in place to protect coastal areas? Or how these laws are falling short on conservation? Let’s hear why changes to our laws are vital to the success of the forthcoming BC Coastal Marine Strategy.
The coast is faced with many threats, including biodiversity loss, intensifying impacts of climate change, and increasing conflicts over resources. The current jumble of regulations and laws overseen by different provincial ministries and departments is not able to adequately address these issues.
Without a coast-wide strategy that includes coordination between Indigenous, municipal, provincial, and federal governments, coastal issues will continue to be dealt with in an ad-hoc fashion.