Bowen Island Contributes to Canada’s 30×30 Biodiversity Conservation Goal
In a step to help protect biodiversity, Bowen Island Municipality has contributed over 145 hectares to Canada’s 30×30 commitment to conserve 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by the year 2030.
After receiving Council support last year, BC Nature assessed municipally owned lands through the Municipal Protected Areas Program (MPAP), coordinated by Nature Canada, submitting eligible lands for registration in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD). This initiative encourages municipalities to register lands that meet specific criteria in CPCAD, supporting the national 30×30 goal and fostering local responsibility for biodiversity protection and conservation areas.
The 30×30 commitment by Canada is in response to a worldwide decline in biodiversity and is a science-based approach to protecting local species and the marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems they inhabit. Inspired by the 30×30 commitment, the MPAP was initiated by a collaboration of nature organizations across the country and is supported by BC Nature in British Columbia.
Biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected. Beyond their conservation value, our natural landscapes serve as carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change as well as provide vital ecosystem services like protection from drought and flooding.
Quotes
“The Municipal Protected Areas Program offered Bowen Island Municipality an opportunity to recognize its protected areas and promote biodiversity conservation. Our local natural areas are critical to Bowen’s resilience in today’s unstable climate and an important contribution to biodiversity on a national scale. We hope the community recognizes the importance of biodiversity conservation, feels encouraged to steward our shared municipal lands responsibly, and is inspired to protect biodiversity on their own lands.” Mayor Andrew Leonard, Bowen Island.
BC Nature is delighted to see Bowen Island Municipality contribute to Canada’s 30×30 biodiversity conservation goal. This contribution, realized through our Municipal Protected Areas Program, highlights the crucial role local governments play in safeguarding natural spaces.” Stewart Guy, Executive Director, BC Nature.
“Protecting the places people love is key to meeting our conservation goals, and Bowen Island Municipality is demonstrating the kind of leadership we need across the country. By recognizing and conserving these natural areas, they’re ensuring that residents and visitors can continue to connect with nature for generations to come.” Dylan Rawlyk, Organizing Manager, Nature Canada
“Bowen Island Municipality’s participation in the Municipal Protected Areas project is a testament to the community’s commitment to recognizing the importance of protecting and conserving nature. The criteria for achieving this recognition indicate that the Municipality is managing effectively for ecosystem health and climate resilience. Contributing to global biodiversity targets is a side benefit, thanks to the leadership of the Bowen Island Council, the efforts of municipal staff, and BC Nature” Ruth Simons D.Litt , Executive Director, Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region
Quick Facts
Bowen Island is a natural jewel surrounded by the spectacular beauty of Howe Sound, and an ideal place for those who want to live close to the city–but not in it. A short ferry ride and a few kilometers from downtown Vancouver, Bowen is home to some 3,700 permanent residents. Bowen remains resolutely a sanctuary of nature, peace and safety for Islanders and visitors alike.
BC Nature is a federation of local nature clubs, representing more than 56 nature clubs throughout BC. BC Nature works to protect nature and educate naturalists, the public, and decision-makers about the natural history of British Columbia, including its biodiversity, species at risk, parks and other natural areas.
Nature Canada is one of the oldest nature conservation charities in Canada that connects Canadians to nature and advocates for its conservation.
For more information, please contact:
Carla Skuce
Manager of Environment & Parks Planning
Bowen Island Municipality
604-947-4255 ext. 244
cskuce@bimbc.ca