CPAWS-BC welcomes BC Throne Speech Support for Conservation, UNDRIP Legislation

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Victoria, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, BC Chapter (CPAWS-BC) is encouraged to see a commitment to biodiversity conservation through the creation of new Class A parks and the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in today’s BC Government Throne Speech.

“CPAWS-BC has been advocating for a commitment to UNDRIP and creation of new protected areas in BC,” says Bruce Passmore, CPAWS-BC Executive Director. “The biggest conservation gains of this century will only occur with Indigenous and crown governments working together. We look forward to continuing to support these collaborative processes for critical habitat protection in this province.”

One of the best examples of a new protected area advancing within a framework of reconciliation is in the South Okanagan-Similkameen, where the provincial government is working in partnership with the Syilx/Okanagan Nation and the federal government to establish a new National Park Reserve on unceded Syilx territory. This National Park Reserve will be developed and managed in partnership with the Syilx Nation, protecting an area that is home to 56 federally listed species at risk and the most endangered ecosystem type in the world.

This trilateral government process will lay the foundation for future efforts to expand BC’s network of protected areas, creating wildlife movement corridors and mitigating the impacts of climate change — all while honouring Indigenous relationships to the land and adhering to UNDRIP.

“As biodiversity continues to decline in BC and across the globe, it’s more important than ever that governments take leadership roles in protecting our ecosystems,” continued Passmore. “We commend the BC government on recognizing its responsibility to protect and restore critical habitat in the province.”

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For interview, contact:

Bruce Passmore

Executive Director, CPAWS-BC

info@cpawsbc.org

604 685 7445