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Can we ignore bio-diversity?

KeepingA biodiversity strategy entitled “Keeping Nature in our Future” will go to the Regional Board this week for a 2nd last review.

This process conduct by the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program was initiated in 2010.

Keeping Nature in Our Future identifies why we should conserve and restore natural areas, which natural areas should be protected and restored, who can contribute, how and when conservation and enhancement of these natural areas can be achieved, and the role of natural areas in protecting regional biodiversity.

The strategy provides a “big-picture”, landscape view of the region and a framework for considering conservation options that go beyond jurisdictional boundaries to include entire ecosystems and watersheds and all land tenures.

Keeping Nature in Our Future was developed through a collaborative and consultative process, guided by a steering committee that included local governments, federal and provincial government ministries, First Nations observers and participants, and non-profit organizations.

In January of this year the Regional board reviewed the strategy and told staff to conduct public information meetings throughout the region.

The recommendation before the board is to move forward into the implementation phase.

Strategic Directions for Local Governments
1. Establish new, or update existing land use policies and regulations to ensure that development processes integrate biodiversity conservation considerations.
2. Build on the existing network of parks, protected areas and greenways to strengthen natural area conservation within a regional context.
3. Improve and expand methods to finance conservation of lands with ecological values.
4. Set security deposits to encourage environmental compliance consistent with the complexity of the development.
5. Develop a range of development, tax and financial incentives to encourage stewardship on private lands.
6. Share data and mapping between governments to make scientifically defensible land use decisions that protect regional ecosystems.
7. Promote better public and stakeholder understanding regional biodiversity.
8. Develop the capacity of local government staff and elected officials to become leaders and innovators in implementing biodiversity conservation.
9. Improve inter-agency collaboration on biodiversity conservation and capitalize on partnership opportunities.