Watershed Security Strategy and Fund
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Overview
Who: The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship
What: To ensure B.C. water and watersheds are respected and valued
Where: Province-wide
Why: To explore ideas for watershed security
How: Online
Background
Maintaining healthy watersheds is vital to ensure that good-quality water is available to support ecosystems, economies, cultures and communities throughout British Columbia. Healthy watersheds are also important for reducing the risks and effects of floods, droughts and wildfires, and for increasing protection against such events in a changing climate.
The development of a Watershed Security Strategy began in 2020 to provide a roadmap for watershed resilience and guide enhanced management and protection of B.C.’s water resources and watersheds through collaboration with First Nations and input from local communities and sectors.
Engagement summary
Discussion Paper (Phase 1)
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.
Intentions Paper (Phase 2)
Throughout 2022, the Province invited input on a Watershed Security Strategy through an Intentions Paper. The Intentions Paper sets out how the government wants to take action on water and watersheds in B.C. It presents five policy intentions with several themes and example actions that could be taken to better care for our watersheds, including the plants, animals, and people in them.
Results
Discussion Paper
A What We Heard Report (PDF, 4MB) that summarizes the feedback from public engagement on the Watershed Security Strategy and Fund Discussion Paper is available.
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.
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