Engagement summary
The Watershed Security Strategy and Fund builds on efforts inside and outside of government to ensure our water and watersheds are respected and valued for all they provide. Government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is foundational to this work. The Watershed Security and Fund Discussion Paper introduced broad themes to prompt discussion and explore ideas for the Watershed Security Strategy. It highlighted some of the science and policy opportunities the eventual watershed security could explore.
News release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022LWRS0057-001761
Timeframe
January 25 to March 18, 2022.
Input received
Protecting our watersheds is one of the most important things we can do as a province to create a healthier and more resilient future for all living things. As part of developing a Watershed Security Strategy and Fund to ensure our water and watersheds are respected, the Province reached out to British Columbians for their input. A What We Heard Report that summarizes the feedback from public engagement on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper is now available.
This What We Heard Report summarizes key themes captured during the engagement process. Over 1,500 submissions were received from across the province from individual citizens, members of environmental organizations, representatives from other levels of government, business and industry including forestry, agriculture, mining and energy, partnership organizations, water suppliers, academia, professional organizations and health care fields.
A separate report is being prepared to summarize feedback received through webinars and meetings with Indigenous peoples.
What happens next?
The next step for the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund is the release of an Intentions Paper, which will be informed by the public engagement to date, and will include potential actions for the Watershed Security Strategy. These actions will be developed in collaboration with the B.C.-First Nations Water Table and treaty Nations, as committed to in the Declaration Act Action Plan.