In this document, the Wetland Stewardship Partnership proposes a comprehensive Wetland Action Plan. The plan is to be implemented cooperatively by governmental and non-governmental organizations in order to protect British Columbia’s remaining natural wetlands, and to restore important wetlands that have been severely damaged.
The Wetland Stewardship Partnership’s vision is that “BC becomes a province where the functions and values of wetlands and the larger watersheds of which they are a part are appreciated, conserved, and restored for present and future generations.” The plan recognizes the need to collaborate with all levels of government, other stakeholders, and all British Columbians to collectively address wetland habitat loss throughout the province.
Working with Wetlands
Wetlands have historically been undervalued to the point of being considered worthless. Now it is widely understood that they are not only valuable, but make such a vital contribution to social, economic and ecological well-being that we can ill afford to lose more of them.
Why should we care what happens to wetlands? Are not agriculture and building sites and transportation corridors a more beneficial use of sodden land otherwise wasted? The answer to that depends on how much value we place on effective flood control and clean and abundant community water supplies, pollution control, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and maintaining waterbird populations at a healthy level.
Do we really need to sacrifice one to attain the other? The problem is that many of the most important functions of wetlands relate to ecological services provided to communities, and human settlements tend to congregate along watersheds and estuaries where wetlands are most abundant. Difficult decisions must now be made about how and whether to protect and restore wetlands. These choices can be tough because the benefits produced by wetlands may be subtle, long-term and largely invisible, albeit of crucial importance, whereas the benefits of converting wetlands to agricultural, urban, or industrial uses often seem obvious and immediate. The magnitude of wetland losses to date adds urgency to the need for action to protect, conserve, or restore wetlands in BC.
Effective action on wetland conservation requires clear objectives and long-term dedication. The initiatives currently underway by different levels of government are hampered by an absence of smooth coordination, inconstant commitment, and a lack of solid information about the location, status, and functions of wetlands. The absence of a comprehensive solutions-based approach to wetland conservation means that there are serious gaps in the current approach to wetland conservation in BC as well as, in some instances, wasteful duplication of effort by agencies and non-government organizations.
The Plan
The multi-year Wetland Action Plan proposes to address wetland issues, focussing on promoting collaboration among government and non-government organizations to maintain, restore, and protect wetland ecosystems throughout BC.
The Wetland Action Plan is separated into two parts:
- Rationale for a Wetland Action Plan, discussing wetland definitions, wetland values and benefits, wetland status, existing wetland policies and legislation, and principles for wetland management.
- The six related goals of the Wetland Action Plan, each accompanied by a set of objectives and actions needed to achieve the goals.
Download the Wetland Action Plan for BC (1.3 MB)