CPAWS-BC welcomes BC Budget conservation vision, BC Parks and coastal boost
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
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.
