EBM Learning Forum | Plans & Agreements | Institutions | Forestry
Protected Areas | Conservation Financing
In 2006, the province established new legislation under the Park Act to create a new form of protected area, called conservancies, for the Central and North Coast. Conservancies are set aside for the protection and maintenance of there biological diversity and natural environments, for the preservation and maintenance of social, ceremonial and cultural uses of First Nations, and for protection and maintenance of their recreational values. Some economic activity is permitted in conservancies, but no commercial logging, mining or hydroelectric power generation (other than local run-of-the-river projects) will be authorized.
Park (Conservancy Enabling) Amendment Act 2006
News release April 2006
News release April 2007
Amendments to the Park Act and Protected Areas of BC
Maps of Conservancies
- Conservancies in Gitga’at Territory
- Conservancies on Haida Gwaii
- Conservancies in Haisla Territory
- Conservancies in Heiltsuk Territory
- Conservancies in Homalco Territory
- Conservancies in Kitasoo Territory
- Conservancies in Metlakatla Territory
- Conservancies in Wuikinuxv Territory
Collaborative Management Agreements
In each First Nation’s territory there is an agreed upon network of protected areas called conservancies that are specified in the SLUPAs. Some First Nations have signed Collaborative Management Agreements (CMA) with the province that outline how the individual First Nation will manage the conservancies within their territory. These agreements are intended to establish a working relationship, improve communication and establish processes for collaboration on the ongoing management of Conservancies, Parks, Ecological Reserves and Protected Areas.
Collaborative Management Agreements have been signed between the Province and Kitasoo/Xaixais, Wuikinuxw, Gitga’at and Metlakatla. These are examples of CMAs that have been signed to date.
Kitasoo/Xaixais
Wuikinuxw CMAs
Conservancy Management Plans
Management planning is underway for 20 conservancies, with the first plan approvals expected in the summer of 2008.
Biodiversity Areas
Biodiversity areas are intended to contribute to the conservation of species, ecosystems and seral stage diversity by being located adjacent to existing and proposed Conservancy Areas. Commercial timber harvesting and general hydro-electric power projects are prohibited in these areas, but other resource activities and land uses are possible. Within the Central and North Coast plan areas, approximately 300,000ha of Crown land will be designated in 22 biodiversity areas.
For maps of biodiversity areas and more information, see here.
