The BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy today released a Discussion Paper on Watershed Security and and associated Fund to support community engagement in watershed management across the province.
The Discussion Paper is stimulated by a community based campaign called Code Blue which gathered support from over 24,000 residents to the government to deal with the effects of climate and biodiversity crises on increasing risks to watershed security — increased fires, flooding, droughts, heat and ecosystem degradation affecting wild salmon populations. Coree Tull, the government relations and engagement coordinator for BC Freshwater Legacy Initiative, will speak to the Discussion paper during the Climate and Arts Webinar, Coasts, Rivers & Communities.
What do we mean by watershed security?
Watershed security implies the availability of good quality water for healthy ecosystems and communities. Watershed security will look different from watershed to watershed, and so will best be defined locally. Some elements of watershed security may include:
- Safe drinking water for all,
- Healthy and resilient aquatic, riparian, wetland, and watershed ecosystems,
- Sufficient water to support food security, recreation, jobs, and local economies,
- Sufficient water for First Nations, and
- Reduced risks from water related hazards such as flooding and drought.
How to use this paper
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy invites you to contribute your knowledge and ideas on the development of a Watershed Security Strategy.
This paper is designed to promote discussion. We want to hear your thoughts on:
- The engagement approach and how you would like to be involved in the future,
- Questions posed in the proposed outcomes and opportunities section,
- Issues or concerns you think we should be aware,
- Ideas or solutions you or your organization wishes to share,
- Anything you wish to share on the topic of how watershed security can be achieved in B.C.
You are invited to participate in the online discussions and to submit your ideas through www.gov.bc.ca/water until March 9, 2022 at 4:00 p.m., or email livingwatersmart@gov.bc.ca.
Further reading: BC Government Statement