Biodiversity and ecosystem health related initiatives in B.C.

There are many initiatives and programs underway in B.C. that support healthy ecosystems and biodiversity, and implementation of the articles in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. A few key examples are included here.

The actions in the Climate Preparedness and Adaptation Strategy expand on several existing programs and initiatives across government to prepare for and adapt to climate change. 

Old Growth Strategic Review

The B.C. government is committed to implementing all 14 recommendations of the independent Old Growth Strategic Review report: A New Future for Old Forests (PDF 8 MB)

The Old Growth Strategic Review recommendation #2 is to declare the conservation and management of ecosystem health and biodiversity as an overarching priority and enact legislation that legally establishes this priority for all sectors. Managing for ecosystem health and minimizing biodiversity threats benefits species and ecosystems at risk, which are key priorities for the B.C. government.

From Review to Action (PDF, 4.7MB) is the B.C. government's response to the Old Growth Strategic Review. This action plan commits the government to better manage and care for forests so they can remain resilient for generations to come.

Together for Wildlife

The Together for Wildlife Strategy was developed with Indigenous Peoples, rural communities, academic institutions,\ and a wide range of organizations. This strategy was released in 2020 and is built around a shared vision of thriving wildlife and resilient habitats that will support and enrich the lives of all people living in British Columbia.

The B.C. government is implementing the Together for Wildlife Strategy by working with Indigenous Peoples and other partners on species and habitat management projects that benefit biodiversity. 

Land Use Planning

The B.C. government is streamlining land use planning for ecosystems, rivers, lakes, forests, lands and waters. This is being done in partnership with:

• Indigenous governments and communities
• Local governments
• Industry
• Interested parties

Conservation Lands

Conservation lands help support wildlife and their habitats, but they are not always designated as parks or protected areas. Working with various partners to acquire or secure conservation lands  (e.g., Wildlife Management Areas) is important for regionally or internationally significant fish and wildlife species.

Cumulative Effects Framework

The B.C. government is committed to sustainable resource management. As demands for resources grow, it is important to measure the total effect of extraction activities on natural values that are important to people living in British Columbia. The Cumulative Effects Framework complements current land use management practices in B.C.

Watershed Security Strategy

The ongoing development of B.C.’s Watershed Security Strategy to restore watersheds and wetlands will provide a healthier future for people living in British Columbia by: 

• Reducing impacts of climate change on communities
• Strengthening ecosystems 
• Ensuring good-quality drinking water

B.C. Wild Salmon Strategy

A Wild Salmon Strategy will help support the restoration of healthy wild salmon stocks in B.C. The B.C. Wild Salmon Advisory Council made recommendations for the Made-in-B.C. Wild Salmon Strategy (PDF, 73KB) after the completion of a public engagement process. 

Coastal and Marine Plans and the Marine Plan Partnership 

Nine plans have been developed to guide the sustainable management of coastal and marine areas in B.C. The Marine Plan Partnership (MaPP) for the North Pacific Coast is an initiative of the provincial government and 17 coastal First Nations. It applies an ecosystem-based management approach to resource stewardship in these areas.

Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

The Declaration Act aims to create a path forward that respects the human rights of Indigenous Peoples while introducing better transparency and predictability in the work we do together. Action 2.8 of the Declaration Act Action Plan (PDF, 3.7MB) includes a commitment to collaborate with Indigenous partners on conservation and biodiversity in B.C., including the protection of species at risk. Shifting how land is governed is a long-term commitment which the B.C. government has made – and work delivering on the commitment has already begun. This is being achieved through collaboration between First Nations and provincial governments that will continue to evolve so that we create governance structures which are consistent with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.