3. The Solution
Within the next several years, the Province must put in place a comprehensive nature and climate strategy to guide future decision-making around how we manage our lands, and to protect the ecosystem services all communities depend on. The backbone will be the development of a science-based, climate conservation network. This work will be enabled by a collaborative approach, incorporating scientific and traditional Indigenous ecological knowledge, as well as local input, to determine where more conservation and changes to land management would improve resilience for ecosystems, wildlife, and communities across BC’s unique regions.
Implementing this strategy will require refining and reforming existing laws and policies around land-use and decision-making so we can build on the existing parks and protected areas, by adding corridors and other buffer areas managed for a mix of conservation and human activities. Carbon stewardship and other green economic practices that support nature and community well-being need to be legally enabled and incentivized where appropriate.
To achieve these goals, the government will need to work with First Nations, scientists, conservation groups, rural communities, labour, tourism and recreation operators, industry and other key stakeholders. It will need to tap into models of innovation for enhancing our communities and ecosystems over the long term. At the same time, British Columbians need to get out in nature to rekindle a connection and deepen our understanding and commitment to conserving nature and tackling climate change.
