Biodiversity

British Columbia is the most biodiverse province in Canada and is also home to the most species at risk of extinction. From breathtaking Southern resident orca families to mighty woodland caribou herds to towering old-growth forests, the beings whose homes we share are at risk of being lost forever.

Despite having over 1,900 species and ecosystems on the brink, B.C. does not have a provincial law to meaningfully protect biodiversity.  

The current system is comprised of a patchwork of laws that prioritizes industrial resource extraction over the health of the land, air and water. It also undermines Indigenous legal orders and governance which have maintained biodiversity for centuries.  

There is one clear solution that can move us toward ensuring all beings and the ecosystems we rely on are healthy and thriving: A new, province-wide law co-developed with Indigenous Nations that prioritizes biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

While we continue to advocate for this province-wide law, there have been some steps in the right direction in recent years. During the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal roughly 190 countries committed to protect 30 percent of the planet by 2030 and prevent further loss of biodiversity. Also, during COP15, Premier David Eby issued a clear mandate for the B.C. Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship to protect 30 percent of the lands in B.C. by 2030.   

This means that along with the COP15 commitment, there is now a global, federal, and provincial 30×30 goal. This is a huge step in the right direction and a much-needed boost to climate and conservation policy in B.C.   

While we continue to hold leaders accountable, we recognize it’s going to take all of us for the paradigm shift needed.

Biodiversity legislation that works alongside Indigenous legal orders and supports Indigenous-led conservation efforts could finally address the policy gaps that have contributed to the extinction and climate crises. In short, this biodiversity legislation is vital to creating a healthy, liveable future. 
 
Send a letter asking your MLA and key Ministers to work with Indigenous Nations to enact a law that prioritizes biodiversity and ecosystem health. We encourage you to personalize your letter so that your message goes even farther.  
 
With your help, we can restore healthy relationships with the waters, salmon, bears and all those we share this home with. Please take action today.