CPAWS-BC welcomes new land and resources ministry, hopeful for advances on reconciliation, wildlife protection, and nature-based solutions in the face of climate emergency
For more information, please contact:
Rippon Madtha
Communications Manager
rippon@cpawsbc.org
604-685-7445 (x23)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February, 09 2022
CPAWS-BC welcomes new land and resources ministry, hopeful for advances on reconciliation, wildlife protection, and nature-based solutions in the face of climate emergency
Unceded Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is pleased to see the BC government’s announcement of a new ministry and commitment to climate action in yesterday’s provincial Throne Speech.
The new ministry has been charged with stewardship and management of BC’s lands and resources. This will include oversight of coasts, lands, rivers and mountains facing cumulative impacts from economic activity.
“We’ve seen floods, fires, and landslides in BC destroy homes and lives over the past year. As we prepare for an uncertain future, we must ensure that nature is central in our planning,” said Kevin Barlow, Executive Director, CPAWS-BC. “We are excited to work with the new lands and resources ministry—charged with developing new ways of working with First Nations and communities— to support nature while tackling the twin climate and biodiversity crises.”
In their Throne Speech, the BC government also acknowledged that the climate crisis is here now, and promised British Columbians to proactively build more climate resilient infrastructure, continue to care for BC’s forests, and implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Dozens of First Nations across the province have already put forward a conservation vision for their traditional territories. As Canada and 60 other countries push towards international conservation targets, BC has an opportunity to restore its status as a global leader in conservation.
Supporting new and existing proposals for protected areas, including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), are the right path forward to mitigating climate change, supporting reconciliation, and protecting BC’s rich wildlife and natural beauty.
“By committing to protect 25% of lands and waters by 2025, the BC government could make strides to tackle climate change, support endangered ecosystems, and advance reconciliation with First Nations,” continued Barlow. “We applaud the BC government for their commitment to a strong, resilient future and look forward to working with them as they develop strategies to ensure BC’s lands, waters and coasts are resilient for future generations.”
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For more information, please contact:
Rippon Madtha
Communications Manager
rippon@cpawsbc.org
604-685-7445 (x23)
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.
Visit: cpawsbc.org | Follow: @CPAWSbc