Overview of the Conservation Framework
B.C. is Canada’s most biologically diverse province
The Conservation Framework is British Columbia’s new approach for
maintaining the province's rich biodiversity—an approach that will allow us to act sooner for
species and ecosystems in decline and act smarter by selecting appropriate conservation actions for
species and ecosystems at risk. The Conservation Framework will help to coordinate and align
conservation efforts across government and non-government sectors, and will more effectively focus
the allocation of resources to yield the best conservation outcomes.
The Conservation Framework acts to conserve species and ecosystems
The Conservation Framework addresses the conservation of species and ecosystems in a
comprehensive and logical manner. The Framework uses clearly defined scientific criteria to
determine priorities and the most appropriate management actions for species and ecosystems of
conservation concern.
An Approach Built on Science
The tools within the Conservation Framework use the best available data from provincial, federal
and global databases to assess species and ecosystems for conservation action. Developed by
scientists from universities, conservation organizations and government, the approach used by the
Conservation Framework has been endorsed by internationally renowned conservation scientists. The
Conservation Framework will help to address the findings of Biodiversity BC's 2008 Report
Taking Nature’s Pulse: the status of biodiversity in
British Columbia.
Climate change considerations are built in
Climate change is impacting B.C.'s ecological and biological diversity. To address this trend, the Conservation Framework will prioritize and monitor species and ecosystems that are sensitive to climate change impacts. Annual updates on distributions and trends of species and ecosystems will allow us to respond rapidly by adapting management actions to address key impacts. This knowledge will help inform landscape-level actions to support ecological functions and processes while maintaining options for species dispersal and adaptation.
The new approach helps us to:
- Act sooner – before species and ecosystems are at risk
- Act smarter – priority setting is science-based; the results move us from reactive conservation to prevention using appropriate management actions
- Act together – coordinated and inclusive action
- Invest more wisely – align conservation investments,
priorities and actions within:
- Government agencies
- Partners and stakeholders
- Funding bodies
Acting together to conserve biodiversity
The Conservation Framework…
…Coordinates conservation in British Columbia
With limited conservation resources, we need to work together to promote conservation of species
and ecosystems. The Conservation Framework establishes a common reference of conservation
priorities, recommended actions and information for all sectors to use.
…Promotes interagency cooperation
The Conservation Framework improves the alignment of government and non-government investments
and activities to achieve better results. The Framework is closely linked with other initiatives,
including Biodiversity BC, the
Future Forest Ecosystem Initiative, and the
Climate Action Secretariat, among others.
…Works with existing species and ecosystems listings
Built with data from the
BC Conservation Data Centre, the Conservation Framework incorporates existing provincial and
federal species listings.
…Is founded on principles of shared stewardship
The Conservation Framework is based on the fundamental principle that we all share responsibility
for keeping our native species and ecosystems healthy.
Learn more about B.C.’s biodiversity, the Conservation Framework and its
outputs. Apply the Conservation Framework outputs to your conservation endeavours. With
your input and suggestions for improvement, we can act together to:
- Sustain British Columbia’s valuable native species and ecosystems
- Reduce the number of species and ecosystems at risk in British Columbia
- Ensure our actions and investments yield the best outcomes for species and ecosystems in
British Columbia.
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