BRITISH COLUMBIA LEADS IN CREATION OF PROTECTED AREAS

VICTORIA – The government of British Columbia has developed legislation to establish a new designation of protected area that is vital to implementing the Central Coast and North Coast land use decisions.

“This is a historic day for British Columbia,” said B.C.’s Environment Minister Barry Penner, who introduced the legislation in the legislature today. “By establishing the conservancy designation under the Park Act, the government of B.C. is well on its way to protecting some of the most spectacular and ecologically diverse areas of the province.

“In addition, by making the approximately 103,000-hectare Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy one of the first conservancies established by amendments to the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act, we have protected the primary habitat of our official provincial mammal, the Spirit Bear,” said Penner.

The purpose of the new conservancy designation is to set aside Crown land for the protection of its biological diversity, natural environments and recreational values, and the preservation and maintenance of First Nations’ social, ceremonial and cultural uses.

“For the first time, provincial legislation has been developed specifically to address First Nations traditional use and enables First Nations and provincial collaborative management,” said Art Sterritt, executive director for Coastal First Nations, adding the legislation reflects a sincere commitment by the Province to breathe life into new government-to-government relationships. “The legislation is also unique because it respects and acknowledges the Aboriginal Title and Rights of First Nations.”

The 24 conservancies being established at this time comprise approximately 541,000 hectares. An additional 85 conservancy areas are expected to be established by the end of 2007. The total area of new and existing protected areas for these regions is approximately 1.8 million hectares, or more than three times the size of Prince Edward Island.

“This new designation is a result of concentrated efforts by both First Nations and the Province, and a first step in ensuring that our food, social and ceremonial rights are looked after,” said KNT chairman Dallas W. Smith. “This designation also helps us take some steps towards much needed economic development on the coast.”

The combined size of the Central Coast and North Coast Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP) areas is approximately 6.4 million hectares, or more than twice the size of Vancouver Island. Recent government decisions respecting these two coastal LRMP areas are the result of an unprecedented, collaborative long-term process that involved First Nations, industry, environmentalists, local governments and many other stakeholders in how the vast richness of B.C.’s coast is managed for the benefit of all British Columbians.

The new protective measures are contained in Bill 28, the Park (Conservancy Enabling) Amendment Act, 2006.

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Media contact:	Don McDonald Communications Director 250 387-9973

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