An initiative from the province in partnership with the federal government and donors will see waters off the North Island protected.
According to an announcement, the province will support the initiative with a $60 million grant administered by the Coast Conservation Endowment Fund Foundation. They add it will create new jobs, advance sustainable fisheries and economic opportunities in Northern Shelf Bioregion.
The grant is expected to leverage more than $200 million in additional investment in the region. They add they will do this through the development of a Project Finance for Permanence initiative.
“People in British Columbia share a deep connection to our coastal waters,” said premier David Eby. “They are a source of beauty, food and economic opportunities.
“Through sustainable conservation financing, we will help secure the future of our marine ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities.”
Coast Funds will help provide stable funding for First Nations in the region to expand marine stewardship and guardian programs. President of the Nanwakolas Council Dallas Smith says this has proven to be an effective strategy.
“Indigenous-led stewardship, coupled with effective long-term conservation investments has proven to be a powerful model for delivering enduring ecosystem protection while creating jobs and building sustainable economies,” said Smith.
The Northern Shelf Bioregion is located off the north and central coasts of the province and encompasses marine environments adjacent to the Great Bear Rainforest.
This area, which includes the waters off northern Vancouver Island, is home to an extraordinarily rich variety and abundance of marine life like whales, salmon, seabirds, shellfish, kelp forests and eelgrass meadows, according to the province.
The grant will also help the province meet its goal of protecting 30 per cent of B.C.’s land base by 2030.
