How are we working together?
The Province is advancing several interconnected initiatives to achieve a shared vision of ecosystem health, community well-being and economic resilience, including its commitment to co-management with First Nations. This ongoing work supports the conservation of biodiversity, wildlife and habitats, and the restoration and recovery of priority ecosystems and species at risk. These initiatives advance the commitment to the continued development of co-management structures and changes to decision-making practices so they align with commitments made through the Declaration Act.
Are there challenges?
Ongoing challenges associated with advancing the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework include the pressure on respondents’ capacity to engage due to multiple engagement requests and differing levels of capacity, which impact participation and involvement.
Where possible, engagement offerings were bundled together. and outreach was conducted through existing government-to-government tables, forums and meetings where many First Nations came to discuss areas of common interest. There is a strong recognition across various levels of government and throughout society that biodiversity loss and climate change are urgent and complex issues.
There are many actions being taken to advance changes and solutions. Provincial government teams are working collaboratively with First Nations rights and title holders, as well as advisors, to help shape policy and program content early in the process as part of a more collaborative approach. This includes building stronger relationships and working more closely with First Nations, which requires adequate funding and better relationships through frequent, open communications. These are key priorities under each initiative and program area.
Highlights
The Draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework was developed collaboratively with First Nations government-to-government tables, leadership organizations and forums, from concept to actions. The Framework reflects a collaboratively built vision for healthy environments, communities and economies. Once finalized, it will identify mechanisms to set clear objectives and facilitate the necessary legislative tools and policies to improve the work we do together to achieve this vision — across various levels of governments and with industry, non-governmental organizations and communities.
The Together for Wildlife Strategy’s goal #5 is focused on ensuring that collaborative stewardship advances reconciliation with First Nation governments. In co-developing this strategy, the First Nations-B.C. Wildlife Stewardship and Habitat Conservation Forum was formed. The parties worked together to implement the Strategy by co-developing policies and procedures, as well as deciding which actions to prioritize. A significant project that is currently underway is a full review of the Wildlife Act.
The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation was signed by the Canadian government, the B.C. government and the First Nations Leadership Council on November 30, 2023. This agreement identifies goals and objectives that are shared priorities among these parties. Advancing the agreement’s actions, in partnership with Aboriginal rights and title holders, supports a more inclusive approach to nature conservation across multiple levels of government. It helps address threats to biodiversity and the restoration and recovery of species and ecosystems in B.C., while advancing reconciliation and coordinating funding to support this important work.