New conservation fund possible game-changer for environmental protection

VICTORIA / UNCEDED LEKWUNGEN TERRITORIES — A new conservation fund could do a lot for the protection of threatened ecosystems and life-giving biodiversity in B.C. Lack of funding has long been a barrier to conservation. The BC NDP government has made an investment to address this. But with landscapes in the province facing an uncertain future, the organization is pressing for more immediate action in addition to the necessary financing.

The fund will include a $150 million investment from the province, with a matching $150 million contribution from the BC Parks Foundation.

“$300 million is a solid starting place to enable environmental protection in line with what scientists tell us is needed to tackle the biodiversity crisis here in B.C.,” said National Campaign Director Torrance Coste. “This funding is thanks to the tens of thousands of people who have called on the NDP government to put its money where its mouth is and commit funding towards its promises on conservation.”

The Wilderness Committee is working with First Nations and echoes the importance of new protected areas being guided by and developed with Indigenous governments. Also encouraging is the statement that funding will support planning work to enable conservation projects in addition to completed protected area proposals.

The organization will continue to monitor the impact of these measures and work with First Nations, communities and other organizations to continue to find solutions to the old-growth and biodiversity crisis in B.C. and Canada.