2. The Opportunity
BC’s natural heritage is globally significant, with a variety of ecosystems, e.g., steppe, alpine, tundra, rainforests, and rich wetlands, which provide habitat for an incredible range of plants and wildlife. The province has become a lifeboat for many species – from grizzly bear to salmon - that once lived elsewhere. British Columbia has a global responsibility to protect this legacy.
Yet, it’s often suggested that there is a trade-off between protecting nature and the resource-based economy that British Columbia has long relied upon. In fact, protecting nature helps support our economy. BC is renowned globally for wilderness tourism opportunities, with recreation in our intact forests alone contributing $2.2 billion to BC’s economy annually. As stated in a recent government tourism plan, BC's "competitive advantage" is the ability to offer "a diversity of experiences against a backdrop of awe-inspiring natural beauty." In addition, many basic human needs are directly dependent on ecosystem goods and services – clean water and air, climate regulation, waste treatment, soil nutrient-cycling, medicines, shelter materials, and food.
BC has been a leader in climate action to reduce fossil fuel emissions, and has recognized the competitive advantage in developing a low-carbon economy. With the majority of BC’s landbase in public hands, BC now has a further leadership opportunity: to protect communities, wildlife and wild places, by developing a comprehensive approach to conserve nature in light of climate change. With the right laws and policies, emerging carbon markets in BC and globally can provide new incentives for protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, and support best management practices for conserving biodiversity.
