Environmental activists are tipping their hats toward the BC government today after $300 million has been committed to furthering protections for old-growth forests.
On Thursday, October 16th, Premier David Eby gathered with some of his cabinet and party members at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria to announce the brand new Conservation Financing Mechanism (CFM).
The CFM is a $300 million investment in BC’s forests and conservation efforts with $150 million coming directly from the Province, while the remaining $150 million is being contributed by the BC Parks Foundation.
“Conserving nature is one of the most important things we can do to protect against the worst effects of climate change while creating a healthier future for everyone,” said Premier David Eby.
“That’s why we’re working with the BC Parks Foundation and First Nations to launch a new tool that will protect old-growth forests and conserve critical habitat across the province for generations to come.”
This funding will lead to measures that will be led or supported by First Nations, lasting environmental protection measures, capacity building for First Nations, stewardship and guardian programs and support for low-carbon economic opportunities.
The BC Parks Foundation will manage the funding with some oversight from the Province by a special committee that will be made up of experts, half of whom will be First Nations.
Since 2021, Provincial logging deferrals have protected around 2.4 million hectares of old growth in BC.
These logging deferrals are just a temporary measure to prevent irreversible biodiversity loss. While they are in place the Province is developing new, long-term approaches to forest management.
Following this announcement activists from organizations like the Sierra Club BC, and the Ancient Forests Alliance have come out to publicly endorse this action made by BC’s government.
“This is the beginning of a huge shift toward conserving our most endangered forests and reaching the goal of protecting 30 percent of BC land by 2030,” said Shelley Luce, Sierra Club BC’s Director of Campaigns.
“Seven years from now, people in BC could be looking back and celebrating this crucial milestone towards conservation, a stable climate and reconciliation.”
“With this announcement, Premier Eby’s leadership is enabling greater investments in conserving forests and creating new economic activities to replace the industrial clear-cut logging that has decimated our forests,” she continued.
See also:
- 40 publicly funded addiction recovery beds set to open throughout Vancouver Island
- Federal legislation introduced for enhanced protection of BC’s old-growth
Going forward, this funding will allow for First Nations to better protect the lands their communities have dwelt upon for time immemorial and have better sovereignty over those lands.
It will also protect one of the things that makes BC’s coast such a tourist hotspot, the rainforest made up of only a few remaining old-growth groves compared to what used to be.
Logging companies still have access to plenty of land that can be used to keep the industry alive and well, contributing to BC’s economy while avoiding the areas that are sacred to all British Columbians.
