New Paper Released to Guide Collaborative Vision for Watersheds in BC
Healthy Watersheds Initiative (HWI) is proud to have contributed to the new strategic directions paper BC Watershed Security Fund: A Collaborative Vision released by the Sustainable Funding Working Group. The goal of this independent collaboration between 16 Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts was to provide direction on the establishment of the BC Watershed Security Fund.
Water is life and water has life. It flows through our bodies and our lands, and is the basis for existence and all that we enjoy—from our health to our homes and the nature that surrounds us and nourishes our souls. Without water there can be no food, no fish, no forests, and no economy.
BC Watershed Security Fund: A Collaborative Vision Report
HWI projects are restoring the freshwater ecosystems on which we all rely. In turn, healthy rivers, lakes, and wetlands absorb stormwater and reduce flood risks, buffer communities from droughts and wildfires, and provide habitat for salmon, fish, and other species at risk. Through monitoring, mapping, and traditional knowledge keeping, HWI project teams collect the essential data communities need to plan for climate adaptation and mitigation.
The foundation of watershed health and security is action, informed by local, timely and enforceable long-term planning that builds community and capacity.
BC Watershed Security Fund: A Collaborative Vision Report
Provide Your Input for BC Watershed Security Strategy and Fund
Learnings from the Healthy Watersheds Initiative will inform BC's first Watershed Security Strategy and Fund, which is being developed to ensure the availability of good quality water for communities and healthy ecosystems.
The Province is now inviting people to provide input about ideas and options for the development of the strategy through an online discussion paper that's open for feedback. You have until March 18, 2022, at 4 pm to submit your feedback by a survey form or a written submission.
For information on how you can support vital watershed work, please read the Working Group's recommendations and share your feedback with the government engagement process.
Several other resources have also been developed to support organizations and individuals to share feedback. You can see the Funding Matters resource document and Making a Collective Splash resources.
HWI's Indigenous Leaders Advisory Circle is uniquely positioned to provide an Indigenous perspective on the Discussion Paper and will be doing so in the next month.
