$60M investment for Indigenous-led stewardship and sustainable development across the Great Bear Sea
New funding announced today by BC government adds to the funding announced last December
– December 5, 2023
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – Today’s announcement of $60 million from the Province of BC to support Indigenous-led initiatives along the Great Bear Sea is celebrated by the Canadian Parks And Wilderness Society British Columbia.
“This announcement shows the provincial government’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous-led stewardship and sustainable development of the coast,” says Executive Director Meaghen McCord. “This adds to the other recent investments BC has made, and we are encouraged by BC’s ongoing efforts to support First Nation leadership across the province, on land and coast.”
The contribution from the BC government will be added to the previously announced Project Funding for Permanence (PFP) for the Great Bear Sea Initiative along with three other Indigenous-led initiatives announced almost exactly a year ago in Montreal.
The funding will support ongoing work, including the Great Bear Sea Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network– a process started over a decade ago between Indigenous Nations, BC, and Canada. Collaborative and well-managed marine conservation efforts in this region can lead to benefits, including improving the health of the coast, protecting culturally important sites, protecting the future of fisheries and food security, and more.
The announcement comes on the heels of recent polling that shows there is strong support for marine protected areas in the Great Bear Sea. Seventy-nine percent of British Columbians support the creation of a network of Marine Protected Areas that will protect 30 percent of the waters of BC’s Northern Shelf Bioregion (Great Bear Sea), while only nine percent were opposed, according to Mario Canseco.
“We know that a Marine Protected Area Network is what is needed to protect these sensitive and threatened marine areas, which First Nations in the area have been calling for for over a decade,” says Ocean Conservation Manager Kate MacMillan. “This funding will help the implementation of the Marine Protected Area Network Action Plan that was endorsed in February. This funding will help marine life and entire ecosystems to recover, rebound, and adapt, and it will also benefit local communities with dependable food and support local economies, now and for our children and grandchildren.
The funding will also support the Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP), Guardian programs, and sustainable economic development to support new businesses, permanent jobs, and more across the region.
For more information or to request interviews, please contact:
Whenever conservation initiatives are announced, it’s important to let leaders know that Indigenous-led stewardship and sustainable development is important to you. Please help us in thanking Premier David Eby and Minister Nathan Cullen for this investment!
Historic BC conservation agreement offers over $1 billion and increased collaboration
Recognition of First Nations as a partner is monumental in new nature conservation agreement
November 3, 2023
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – Today’s announcement of a historic Trilateral Framework Agreement for Nature Conservation (the Agreement) sets the stage for significant action to beat back the biodiversity crisis and advances a new model of leadership to advance conservation in BC.
The federal government will be contributing $500M, and the BC government has over $500M to reach the goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, and beyond. This includes a specific fund for old-growth forests and the opportunity for additional funds from the philanthropic community. The Agreement includes an important commitment to work together towards protecting 25 per cent by 2025, including on Indigenous protected areas.
“This is the largest investment into conservation in the history of the province, and the result of historic collaboration. BC now has all the tools needed to put these commitments into action in partnership with First Nations,” says Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager for CPAWS-BC.
As BC works toward the goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, parallel work to support and recognize Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) must be prioritized with increased capacity, resources and coordination. CPAWS-BC is excited to see a commitment to co-develop long-term and interim measures for protecting wildife habitat and ecosystems outlined in the Agreement.
Alongside prioritizing new policy and legal pathways to support and recognize IPCAs, CPAWS-BC is also advocating for a new law that prioritizes biodiversity in all decision-making. This is a widely supported, key recommendation to protect threatened ecosystems such as ancient, old-growth forests and endangered grasslands. To ensure that this money is directed where it is needed to advance conservation, existing commitments to review and revise industry-focused resource policies and laws must be expedited to align with best practices.
“This agreement is a huge milestone and the start of major work. We know that protecting lands and waters takes time to get it right, and we need to make sure that endangered and intact landscapes are protected from immediate threats before they’re lost,” continued Ball.
BC will need to nearly double the amount of land protected to reach the goal of protecting 30 per cent. BC has 15.5 per cent of lands protected in long-term, legislated protected areas, and claims an additional 4.1 per cent in other conserved areas (OECMs). These other conserved areas do not meet the agreed-upon Canadian and international protection standards referred to in the Agreement and many can easily be moved to allow for activities harmful to biodiversity, such as logging.
“The agreement announced today provides a real dose of hope for change that can be made by empowering First Nations with additional capacity, sustainable economic growth and all governments pulling in the same direction to halt and reverse the rapid loss of biodiversity. It’s great to see BC has already launched some critical parts of this agreement such as the new $300 million fund for nature. There’s no time to lose on vital conservation initiatives,” says Ball.
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For interviews, contact:
Max Winkelman, Communications Manager max@cpawsbc.org, 604-685-7445 x22
Background Facts:
A Canada-BC Nature Agreement was launched in February 2021 alongside commitments to support species at risk, including the Spotted Owl.
In December 2022, BC committed to protecting 30 per cent of lands by 2030, doubling the amount of land currently protected, and developing a conservation financing mechanism to support the protection of biodiverse areas through a mandate letter to Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship.
In February 2023, BC committed to rolling out a new conservation financing mechanism within a six-month timeframe as part of its forest policy updates. This was released on October 26, 2023 as the Conservation & Stewardship Alliance Fund.
In October 2022, CPAWS released national polling results that show the majority of Canadians support protecting much more land and sea in Canada, and that the majority consider land and ocean protection a major voting issue.
Key facts about the Framework Agreement:
The funding includes $500M from the Federal government and $563M from the Provincial government. This includes funding that has already been made public, such as the $300M Conservation and Stewardship Alliance Fund announced last week.
Canada and B.C. have committed to an Old Growth Nature Fund, with matching funding of $50M each and potential funding from third-party organizations, and work in partnership with First Nations to permanently protect and conserve 4,000 to 13,000 km2 of high-priority at-risk old growth forests.
Canada will fund new restoration activities that achieve high co-benefits for species at risk, ecosystem services, connectivity, and ecological corridors. Canada and B.C. will also consult and cooperate with First Nations on species at risk protection and recovery, including ongoing partnerships to implement existing, and future, co-developed species protection and recovery plans.
A Tripartite Nature Committee will be established with representatives from Canada, B.C., and FNLC whose roles will be to coordinate activities under the Agreement.
About CPAWS-BC:
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, CPAWS has played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometres. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
New $300m nature conservation fund welcomed by CPAWS-BC
New independent BC fund is aimed at supporting Indigenous-led protection
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) welcomes today’s announcement of a new $300 million fund for conservation projects. The Conservation and Stewardship Alliance Fund will help the province deliver on its commitment to protect biodiversity in BC and, in partnership with First Nations, will set nature on a path to recovery by 2050.
The new fund is made up of a $150 million contribution from the provincial government and $150 million contributed from private, philanthropic sources. It will support the creation of land and marine-based protected areas and is overseen by a committee of First Nation representatives, conservation experts and ex-officio government.
“This is a massive step towards closing the gap in ongoing funding for conservation projects in BC. The fund’s requirement for projects to include First Nation leadership is critical and promotes reconciliation in a way that supports Indigenous rights and values,” says Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation manager for CPAWS-BC. “This is the kind of long-term funding that we have been calling for and shows the BC government is serious about biodiversity loss and the extinction crisis.”
Key facts:
The Fund is hosted at and administered by the BC Parks Foundation, which will provide at least a 1:1 match for approved projects;
The BC government provided $150M to create the Fund, previously called a Conservation Financing Mechanism and committed to in Dec 2022;
Eligible activities include capacity planning, removal of tenures, restoration work, stewardship programs, and economic transition, and all projects must include a First Nations leadership role;
The outcomes of the initiatives are long-term protection designations, working towards the 30 per cent protection by 2030 targets;
Five new Forest Landscape Plans have been confirmed in partnership with local First Nations; Bulkley Valley, 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, East-Central Vancouver Island and West-Central Vancouver Island.
To make sure these funds will truly support Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship on the ground, CPAWS-BC wants to see the province work with First Nations to develop a pathway to recognize Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas through legislation or policy.
“Having an expert and Indigenous-focused independent oversight committee for the fund will provide critical connections to community needs, transparency and longevity,” says Ball.
The funding announcement comes ahead of the highly anticipated Tripartite Framework Agreement for Nature Conservation which could bring the largest investment into nature conservation in the history of the province. This positive shift is echoed through the promise of a province-wide Coastal Marine Strategy and work to shift the forestry industry to integrate long-term ecosystem health. These initiatives not only prioritize healthy lands and waters but also support communities and their economic well-being through the transition.
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For interviews, contact:
Max Winkelman (he/him), Communications Manager CPAWS-BC max@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 x22
Background Facts:
In December 2022, BC committed to protecting 30% of lands by 2030, doubling the amount of land currently protected, and developing a conservation financing mechanism to support the protection of biodiverse areas through a mandate letter to Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship.
In February 2023, BC committed to rolling out a new conservation financing mechanism within a six-month timeframe as part of its forest policy updates.
Alongside this announcement, the government removed a clause in February that ecological protections could not “unduly reduce the supply of timber from British Columbia’s forests.”
About CPAWS-BC:
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is Canada’s only nationwide charity dedicated solely to the protection of our public land, ocean, and freshwater, and ensuring our parks and protected areas are managed to protect nature. Since 1963, CPAWS has played a leading role in protecting over half a million square kilometres. Our vision is to protect at least half of Canada’s public land and water in a framework of reconciliation – for the benefit of wildlife and people.
The CPAWS British Columbia chapter (CPAWS-BC) works to protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Nature is BC’s best hope.
Unceded Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, BC— Chief Rebecca David of Pauquachin Nation will join a special panel on marine pollution alongside leading coastal environmental groups on Tuesday, September 19 in Vancouver. Turning the Tide on BC’s Marine Pollution Crisis is presented as part of an art exhibition showing in Vancouver this fall, Precipice: Changing the Course of the Extinction Crisis in BC.
Lucas Harris, Executive Director, Surfrider Canada
Turning the Tide on BC’s Marine Pollution Crisis is hosted by Alicia Elgert, Ocean Conservation Campaigner, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Coulmbia (CPAWS-BC).
The coast faces many threats–from pollution to loss of salmon habitat to overharvesting. That’s why it’s so hard to believe BC is one of the only coastal regions in North America without a cohesive plan and laws to protect it.
British Columbians are drawing a new blueprint for the coast. A blueprint, co-designed with Indigenous nations, that ensures marine life and coastal communities get the future they deserve. Learn more: Blueprintforthecoast.ca
Event information:
Kate MacMillan Ocean Conservation Manager kate@cpawsbc.org
About Precipice: Changing the Course of the Extinction Crisis in BC
Precipice is a new art exhibition that tells stories of biodiversity loss and hope in British Columbia. Working in mixed mediums, seven BC-based artists will compel you to mourn, understand and ultimately protect the lands and waters of Canada’s most biodiverse province.
From September 15-23, 2023 Precipice is an exhibit and gathering place where artists, biologists and activists will teach, play and host conversations about biodiversity with the community.
Precipice features work by Cherry Archer, Nell Burns, Adea Chung, Grace Lee, Jessie Recalma, Sarah Ronald, and Clare Wilkening and is curated by Rachael Ashe.
Precipice is presented by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia. Find more information about the Precipice art exhibition: ontheprecipice.ca
Unceded Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver, BC — Precipice: Changing the Course of the Extinction Crisis in BC welcomes the public for Opening Night on Friday, September 15 from 6-9 PM. Celebrate opening night with a very first look at this special show. Enjoy wine, beer or kombucha and music from Hussein DJ A-SLAM all night.
*The official opening is open to media. Media wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP online or email media@cpawsbc.org
About Precipice: Changing the course of the Extinction Crisis in BC
Precipice is a new art exhibition that tells stories of biodiversity loss and hope in British Columbia. Working in mixed mediums, seven BC-based artists will compel you to mourn, understand and ultimately protect the lands and waters of Canada’s most biodiverse province.
From September 15-23, 2023 Precipice is an exhibit and gathering place where artists, biologists and activists will teach, play and host conversations about biodiversity with the community.
Precipice features work by Cherry Archer, Nell Burns, Adea Chung, Grace Lee, Jessie Recalma, Sarah Ronald, and Clare Wilkening and is curated by Rachael Ashe.
We open on Friday, September 15, 2023 from 6-9 PM and would love to have you as our guest.
Regular Gallery hours are free and open to the public Tuesday-Thursday from 3-6PM, in addition to special evening and weekend programs.
Mediating on Nature art workshop with Cherry Archer: Sunday September 17, 2023
Beginner-friendly ceramics workshop with Clare Wilkening: September 23, 2023
Precipice is presented by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia. Find more information about the Precipice art exhibition: ontheprecipice.ca
For interviews, please contact Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC tori@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 x24
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Works by seven BC artists renew hope amidst an extinction crisis
Take a sensory journey from loss to hope at Precipice, an art exhibit and gathering space where conversations about solutions to biodiversity loss will thrive. Precipice: Changing the Course of the Extinction Crisis in BC runs at the Alternatives Gallery in Vancouver from September 15-23, 2003.
Precipice: Changing the Course of the Extinction Crisis in BC is an art exhibition that tells stories of loss and hope for lands, animals, waters and people in British Columbia, Canada’s most biodiverse province. At Alternatives Gallery in Vancouver, seven BC-based artists will express how deeply biodiversity in nature affects the human experience.
Presented by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia, Precipice is more than an art exhibit. It’s a gathering place where artists, biologists and activists will teach, play and host community conversations about biodiversity.
“Precipice is a convening space for critical conversations about what people living in BC can do to protect our children’s futures,” says Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager at CPAWS-BC. “We’re living through an extinction crisis – forest fires, floods and droughts. But we can’t lose hope.”
Right now, Indigenous Nations are working to protect their traditional territories and the province has an unparalleled opportunity to support their vision and ensure that lands and waters are healthy and protected, says Ball. “This is how we can mitigate the effects of climate change and support communities in BC. Precipice is an open, community space for people to gather, learn and take action.”
Works featured at Precipice show that when we do better for Nature, people thrive too: a textile sculpture embodies the life experience of a tree; a ceramic tile installation depicts the family history of our Southern Resident killer whales; and textural cut-outs explore wildlife relocation caused by habitat loss.
Precipice’s community programs welcome guest speakers including Chief Rebecca David of Pauquachin Nation, Councillor Archie Little, Nuchatlaht First Nation, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council artists workshops and storytelling events. Tickets are free or by donation and the schedule of events is listed below.
Precipice is curated by Rachael Ashe and features work by Cherry Archer, Nell Burns, Adea Chung, Grace Lee, Jessie Recalma, Sarah Ronald and Clare Wilkening. The gallery is always free to enter and is open Monday to Thursday from 4 PM to 6 PM for public viewing. All are welcome to join workshops and guest speaker nights during extended weekend and evening hours.
Precipice art exhibition is presented by Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC). A portion of the proceeds will support the non-profit’s work to advocate for the protection of lands, waters and wildlife in BC.
When: September 15-23, 2023 Time: 4 PM to 6 PM, plus special evening and weekend events. Where: Alternatives Gallery and Studio, 1659 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC. Tickets: Always free to visit the gallery Monday to Friday from 4-6 PM. Donations welcomed for special evening speakers night, weekend workshops and more online
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Our work to safeguard large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors has been instrumental in protecting precious places across the province. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Donate today. Take action.
For interviews, please contact Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC tori@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 x24
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
BC signals much-needed action on nature, finds report on progress towards Canada’s conservation commitments
Traditional unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC — A report released today by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) finds that a majority of jurisdictions in Canada have made contributions to the protection of 30% of land and ocean by 2030 in the last two years. British Columbia received a stand out grade of “significant progress” as well as key opportunities to improve its conservation outlook.
“Here in BC, we’ve seen the provincial government make ambitious commitments and signal a shift to prioritizing healthy ecosystems and advancing Indigenous-led conservation,” says Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager for the BC Chapter of CPAWS. “While we celebrate these commitments, we are looking forward to appropriate funding and mechanisms to ensure accountability on their commitment to protect 30% of lands by 2030.”
BC had previously been given a mediocre grade of “C” for a lack of investment, action and commitment to expanding the network of protected areas. The province has made great headway to address the biodiversity crisis through its work on the Coastal Marine Strategy, the Great Bear Sea and initiating land-use planning in partnership with First Nations. Having an appropriate pathway to support the establishment and recognition of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas on the lands, coast and ocean will help all governments work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
“On the ocean, there are important opportunities across the coast of BC that result from years of collaboration, co-led by First Nations, BC, and Canada, and have included in-depth community involvement,” shared Kate MacMillan, Marine Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC. “ The long-standing proposed Southern Strait of Georgia National Marine Conservation Area Reserve is one of the opportunities where we hope to see a new path forward, led by First Nations, to protect these incredible waters – home to orcas, salmon, and people”
This report, Building Momentum: A Progress Update on Canada’s Nature Protection Targets, reinforces the urgent need for all levels of government to work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Canada, in collaboration with, and in support of, Indigenous peoples, and identifies key opportunities for nature protection in the coming years. Supporting and advancing the Kaska Dena’s 40,000km2 IPCA, Dene Kʼéh Kusān, is a key opportunity for BC to make progress towards the biodiversity protection targets.
“There are dozens of Indigenous-led protected area proposals across the province which layout a pathway to bring back endangered ecosystems and wildlife populations,” continued Ball. “BC has the opportunity to step up for nature while supporting a more sustainable and just future for all by taking action on the bold commitments it has already made.”
For interview, please contact Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC tori@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 x24
KEY FINDINGS
Federal, provincial and territorial governments have achieved varying degrees of progress since CPAWS’ 2021 Report Card, with some making ambitious commitments and advances over the past two years, and others making minimal progress.
Jurisdictions with significant progress since 2021:
Federal Terrestrial (2021 grade: A-)
Quebec (2021 grade: A-)
Nova Scotia (2021 grade: B)
The Yukon (2021 grade: B-)
British Columbia (2021 grade: C)
Jurisdictions with some progress since 2021:
Federal Marine (2021 grade: B+)
Northwest Territories (2021 grade: B+)
New Brunswick (2021 grade: B-)
Manitoba (2021 grade: C-)
Newfoundland and Labrador (2021 grade: F)
Jurisdictions with minimal progress since 2021:
Saskatchewan (2021 grade: D)
Alberta (2021 grade: F)
Ontario (2021 grade: F)
Federal Marine – some progress (2021 grade: B+)
Nunavut and Prince Edward Island were not graded as CPAWS does not have chapter offices there.
All levels of government need to act urgently to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Canada, in collaboration with and in support of Indigenous peoples. The conditions and opportunities exist for all jurisdictions to contribute to achieving the targets. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society calls upon all levels of government to close the gaps to protect at least 30% of land and ocean by 2030.
BACKGROUND
Conservation Opportunities in British Columbia
BC was the second province to commit to protecting 30% by 2030 in Dec 2023, during COP15. Their commitment included advancing Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.
BC’s claimed protected and conserved areas equal 19.5% of the province, however, conservation and legal experts have pointed out that BC’s other conserved areas (4.1%) do not meet agreed-upon Canadian or International standards of protection.
BC has committed to developing a conservation financing mechanism within the next few months to support landscape and Indigenous-led conservation.
A strong majority of Canadians (ranging from more than eight in ten to just over nine in ten) support protecting more land and sea in Canada and increased spending to meet commitments.
Strong support among Canadians (more than eight in ten) for creating more Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada.
About eight in ten say it is important for Canadian governments to speed up progress on nature protection.
The majority of Canadians would be more likely to support a federal party or provincial/territorial government that is committed to nature protection.
A majority of Canadians, from just under seven in ten to over seven in ten (69% to 74%), would be more likely or somewhat more likely to vote for a federal party that proposed various nature protection policies.
A majority of Canadians agree (69%) they would be more likely to support a provincial or territorial government if it set out a big and important nature conservation goal.
Canadians think about half of the world’s land (48%) and sea (55%) and half of Canada’s land (49%) and sea (55%) should be protected.
The majority of Canadians (around nine in ten) agree that protected areas play an important role in addressing climate change and supporting a healthy, sustainable economy.
Dene K’éh Kusān, photographed by Adam Combs
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Our work to safeguard large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors has been instrumental in protecting precious places across the province. Join our community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Donate today. Take action.
For interviews, please contact: Skye Vallance – A/Communications Manager, CPAWS-BC skye@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 x 22
CPAWS-BC welcomes BC Budget conservation vision, BC Parks and coastal boost
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) welcomes today’s crucial budget increase for BC Parks alongside continued investment in the Marine Coastal Strategy and land use planning. The BC Budget emphasizes a positive vision for the collaborative conservation of lands, waters and coastal communities.
“BC has committed to important conservation goals – such as protecting 30% of lands by 2030 – and this budget comes as a signal of hope for the path ahead. Continued investment and resources will be needed to reach these commitments, and work towards effectively protecting lands and waters in partnership with Indigenous Peoples,” said Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager with CPAWS-BC.
Today’s budget announcement includes further investments for BC marine conservation. This funding maintains BC’s commitment to co-develop a Coastal Marine Strategy with Indigenous Nations by 2025 and realize Canada’s first marine protected area network for the Great Bear Sea along the Central and North Coasts.
“We’re happy with the progress to co-develop the Coastal Marine Strategy, and the announcement today signals that the province remains committed to continuing this important work, ” said Kate MacMillan, Ocean Conservation Manager with CPAWS-BC. “We hope that once the strategy is completed, there will be a continued investment to ensure its delivery. We need to care for marine waters, to support thriving, healthy marine ecosystems and coastal communities for future generations.”
This budget outlines a continued commitment to safeguard vital ecosystems and prioritize meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples, but it falls short of the sizable increase that many conservation groups were hoping for to accelerate climate and biodiversity action. Additional funding to support the protection and stewardship of lands is expected from an upcoming Nature Agreement with the federal government.
“A significant increase to the BC Parks and recreation budget will support beloved trails and campsites, and increase accessibility for people to connect with the lands and waters that make BC unique,” continued Ball. “Safe access to nature is integral to our well-being, as highlighted throughout the pandemic, and it’s encouraging to see this investment prioritized.”
Investing in nature is a direct investment in the well-being of communities and wildlife across BC. The 2023 BC Budget builds on recent policy and funding commitments to prioritize ecosystem health across the province, advance Indigenous-led conservation, and safeguard biodiversity for generations to come.
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For interviews, please contact: Skye Vallance – A/Communications Manager, CPAWS-BC skye@cpawsbc.org 604-685-7445 x 22
About CPAWS-BC The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Our work to safeguard large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors has been instrumental in protecting precious places across the province.
Aerial view over Dene K’éh Kusān, photographed by Adam Combs
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Traditional unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is welcoming new measures announced to protect old growth forests and expedite conservation across BC. New forest policy changes announced by Premier David Eby and Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston signal hope that forest management in BC will prioritize ecosystem health, biodiversity and Indigenous values.
“BC has made ambitious commitments to protect biodiversity and shift the way that resources are managed in the province, and today’s announcement gives the conservation community a welcomed signal that Premier Eby’s government will follow through,” said Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager for CPAWS-BC.
The announcement includes several key measures and reaffirms commitments that will advance forest conservation, including:
Removing problematic wording in the Forest and Range Practices Act which hampered wildlife and habitat protections by requiring them to go forward “without unduly reducing the supply of timber from British Columbia’s forests”;
$25M for new Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) to support eight regional tables that will include local knowledge and community priorities, including approximately 50 First Nations, to guide forest management on the ground;
Creating a new conservation financing mechanism to leverage philanthropic funding to support the protection of lands, waters and biodiversity;
Implementing the Old Growth Strategic Review and the creation of a parallel action plan, in collaboration with First Nations.
“Forest ecosystems in BC have long been prioritized solely for their timber value over the cultural, ecological and carbon values that they hold,” continued Ball. “Our ancient forests host irreplaceable ecosystems and spiritual significance, and immediate action is needed to expedite their protection before they are lost forever.”
In December 2022, Premier Eby announced BC’s commitment to protect 30% of lands by 2030, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs). These announcements show a commitment to protecting nature across BC while bolstering Indigenous rights to land and culture, and accelerating action on climate change.
“Biodiversity is the backbone that our communities, economies and climate rely upon,” said Ball. “While we welcome these signals, there is still work to be done to make sure these policies create meaningful action to prioritize ecosystem health on lands and waters across BC.”
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For interviews, contact:
Tori Ball, Terrestrial Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC tori@cpawsbc.org | 604-685-7445 x24
About CPAWS-BC
The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is part of one of Canada’s oldest non-profit conservation groups. We protect wilderness in every corner of BC and deep into the ocean. We have been defending BC since 1978, and are dedicated to keeping BC’s natural environment thriving forever. Our work to safeguard large parks, protected areas and wildlife corridors has been instrumental in protecting precious places across the province.
CPAWS-BC Celebrates Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxʷiqak — Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area Announcement at IMPAC5
Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Territories / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) celebrates the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Haida Nation, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Pacheedaht First Nation, Quatsino First Nation, and the Canadian government for the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxʷiqak — Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area (MPA), announced today at the 5th International Marine Protected Area Congress.
“The signing of this MOU is an important step toward protecting this region, which is spiritually and culturally significant for the partner Indigenous Nations,“ said Kate MacMillan, Ocean Conservation Manager. “This agreement could be used as a template for future MOUs that partner First Nations and the federal government for conservation.”
The Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxʷiqak — Tsig̱is MPA will cover 133,000 square kilometres, an area four times the size of Vancouver Island. The Endeavour Hydrothermal Vents MPA, now contained within Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxʷiqak — Tsig̱is was originally protected in 2003. This marked the first time Canada used the Oceans Act for MPA designation purposes. Now, twenty years later, more of this deepsea oasis that includes more hydrothermal vents and towering seamounts will be protected.
“These underexplored ecosystems, three kilometres beneath the ocean surface, are likely home to marine life found nowhere else in the world,” says MacMillan.
Since 2017, a large portion of the Tang.ɢwan — ḥačxʷiqak — Tsig̱is MPA footprint was closed to fishing and contributed to Canada’s 30 percent ocean protection target as an Other Effective Conservation Measure (OECM).
Once this MPA is legislated, Canada’s strict minimum protection standards will be applied, meaning bottom-trawling, dumping, oil and gas activities, and deep-sea mining will be prohibited. This will lead to stronger protection for this unique, deep-sea ecosystem.
”When the assessment tool MPA Guide was applied to the five existing Ocean Act MPAs, more than 60 percent of BC’s marine protected area waters are not effective at protecting biodiversity. We need these minimum standards applied to all new and existing MPAs to safeguard biodiversity and fight climate change.” says MacMillan.
CPAWS-BC and other conservation organizations have supported this work over the past few years. We congratulate the four First Nations for their leadership throughout this process, as well as the federal government, all stakeholders, and communities. CPAWS-BC looks forward to continuing to support the establishment to protect this important part of the ocean with a collaborative management structure.
Public consultation on the draft regulations, published in Canada Gazette 1, will begin on February 18, 2023, and extend for 30 days.
Kate MacMillan Ocean Conservation Manager, CPAWS-BC
Government of Canada and coastal First Nations announce progress to protect a large ecologically unique ocean area off the Pacific West Coast. Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, Council of the Haida Nation, Pacheedaht First Nations, Quatsino First Nation, with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Feb 07. 2023. News release. https://nuuchahnulth.org/sites/default/files/news/NR__ThT_IMPAC5.pdf
Backgrounder: Tang.ɢwan – ḥačxʷiqak – Tsig̱is Marine Protected Area. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Feb 07, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/fisheries-oceans/news/2023/02/tangwan–hacxwiqak–tsigis-marine-protected-area.html