B.C. has the greatest diversity of species, ecosystems and habitats of any jurisdiction in Canada
THE Province is taking more steps to conserve nature for the long-term health and well-being of communities with the release of a draft biodiversity and ecosystem health framework.
“People in B.C. share a deep connection to nature, from our ancient forests and diverse wildlife, to our coastal waters and mountain ranges,” said Nathan Cullen, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, on Wednesday. “Together, we are charting the next steps for conserving B.C.’s rich biodiversity and healthy ecosystems that support us all.”
B.C. has the greatest diversity of species, ecosystems and habitats of any jurisdiction in Canada. The resilience of the province depends on an integrated and inclusive approach to stewarding B.C.’s water, land and natural resources.
The framework is another action the Province is taking as part of ongoing work to improve stewardship of B.C.’s lands, forests and water, to implement the recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review and to honour B.C.’s commitments under the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
“Our government is building comprehensive and integrated initiatives to protect the environment, including conservation financing, our accelerated action to protect old-growth forests and our commitment to conserve 30% of B.C.’s land base by 2030,” Cullen said. “All these efforts are fundamental to protecting against the worst effects of climate change and creating a healthier future for everyone.”
The draft framework was developed through engagement throughout 2023 with First Nations and other parties, including industry, non-governmental organizations, local communities, municipal leaders and academia.
The Province is formally consulting with First Nations Rights and Title Holders, and engaging with multiple natural resource sectors and industry, as well as local governments, and other partners on the draft framework.
Members of the public can access the draft framework here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/
Provide comments by contacting:Â biodiversity.ecosystemhealth@
The framework is expected to be finalized in early 2024, following consultation. B.C. will co-develop new or update existing legislation to achieve the vision and intent of the framework.
Facts about protecting old growth in B.C.
The Province is implementing all 14 recommendations of the independent Old Growth Strategic Review report, including Recommendation No. 2, which calls on the Province to declare the conservation and management of ecosystem health and biodiversity of B.C.’s forests as an overarching priority and enact legislation that legally establishes this priority for all sectors.
* In December 2022, the Province announced its commitment to protecting 30% of B.C.’s land base by 2030.
* On October 26, 2023, B.C. announced a new $300-million Conservation Financing Mechanism – $150 million from the Province, matched by a commitment to raise an additional $150 million from the BC Parks Foundation.
* On November 3, the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation was signed by B.C., Canada and the First Nations Leadership Council.
– The agreement represents the alignment of investment of more than $1 billion over eight years.
– Of the $1 billion, $500 million will be provided by the Province and the remaining $500 million by the federal government.
