Just one week after environmental activists commended Premier David Eby and the BC government for committing funding and making strides to protect BC’s old-growth forests, several groups are offering up another round of applause for the latest environmental move.
Between the Province and the Canadian government a commitment of $1.1 billion has been made to protect 30% of BC’s land which includes numerous at-risk, old-growth groves.
The commitment was made at a conference for BC’s Indigenous leaders to convene with the provincial and federal leadership.
This funding will also go toward supporting implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and helping address the biodiversity and climate crises.
BC’s First Nations and other communities will use this money in their efforts to restore ecosystems, improve stewardship and create guardian programs to protect the at-risk ecosystems.
“We know that working in consultation and cooperation with First Nations is the best way to move forward and tackle the challenges we face,” said Premier Eby.
“By bringing people together, we are advancing respectful relationships that recognize rights, deepen partnerships and help us take action on climate change, housing, health care and building a strong economy,” he continued.
Related:
- CBC docu-series features two Vancouver Island-based crimes in upcoming third season
- BC applauded by old-growth activists for taking ‘biggest step yet’ toward protection
Leaders of environmental activist groups who typically butt heads with and call out Premier Eby and his government’s previous inaction on certain endeavours have announced that they are quite happy with this new initiative.
“This agreement is an historic step forward for B.C. and the world in protecting intact ecosystems while respecting Indigenous rights and building on Indigenous knowledges,” said Shelley Luce, Campaigns Director at Sierra Club BC.
“It offers a pathway toward protecting 30 percent of land in B.C. by 2030, aligning multiple funding sources for coordinated action at all levels.”
“From old-growth forests to unique grasslands, there are many endangered landscapes in this province that don’t exist anywhere else, and protecting them is globally significant,” she continued.
One highlight Sierra Club BC is especially glad to welcome is that as part of this nature agreement with the province’s First Nations, the BC government will have to conduct annual investigations and public reports of their progress in the name of transparency.
