Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation: annual report - 2025

Official title: Working Together to Safeguard Healthy Ecosystems and Communities in British Columbia, Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation - First Annual Report - February 2025

Alternate format

Joint statement

Our health, livelihoods and cultures depend on nature. We need healthy food and clean air and water. We need the prosperity created by renewable natural resources, which in British Columbia generate billions of dollars every year.

We draw sustenance from the environment, whether in the form of air, food, water, natural resources, recreation, or the traditional practices of First Nations people that continue today. Yet our relationship with nature is threatened. The cumulative impact of human development activities and changing climates is speeding up and the results are devastating – for the environment, for wildlife, and for human beings.

This urgent threat demands bold, creative, and collaborative action.

This is the reason for the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation.

The Framework Agreement will guide a partnership between the Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia, and the First Nations Leadership Council. It is unprecedented in its scope and ambition. Together, we are investing in species, ecosystems, and communities to promote long-term sustainability for future generations.

We believe sustainability can only be achieved by recognizing the inter-connectedness of the natural environment with the physical, cultural, and economic well-being of humans. We recognize the need for a holistic approach to protection and conservation – one that is sustained and coordinated.

This interconnected, systems-based view aims to improve how humans interact with the environment as a whole. The goal is to achieve environmental objectives and at the same time provide social and economic benefits and opportunities to all. It is not a matter of setting one above the other. It is a matter of realizing that each is part of the complete environment in which we live, work, and honour our cultures and our histories.

This approach requires participatory, multi-stakeholder planning and governance structures. For the three signatories to the Framework Agreement, this means that our joint commitment is to involve title and rights holders directly in the work we do while also including other governments, industry partners, non-profit groups, and British Columbians at large.

The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation builds on Canada’s global environmental commitments, which include protecting at least 30 per cent of Canada’s land and water by 2030. It tailors these commitments to British Columbia while integrating First Nations rights and leadership. It is Canada’s first nature conservation framework co-led with First Nations.

We are committed to supporting First Nations self-determination, governance, and decision-making in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Framework Agreement demonstrates how governments can ensure that the values of sustainability, equity, reconciliation, and respect for title and rights are at the forefront of conservation efforts that work for everyone. Canada, British Columbia, and First Nations want local governments, communities, and stakeholders to be included in and benefit from the Framework Agreement.

We are proud of our progress in the first year of the Framework Agreement. At the same time, we recognize that there is still much to do in the coming years. We will build on the work to date, taking steps to safeguard British Columbia’s rich biodiversity, foster healthy communities, and enhance local economies while honoring First Nations stewardship.

Our goal is to create a legacy of conservation that reflects the values and aspirations of all peoples across the province.

Background

Meeting the Twin Crises of Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change - A New Way Forward

• The first agreement of its kind to protect habitats, species-at-risk, and other wildlife in British Columbia
• One of the most significant nature investment plans in the history of Canada
• Supporting healthy ecosystems, community well-being and sustainable economies
• A strategy rooted in recognition of First Nations title, rights, and interests

The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation is all of these – and more.

The governments of Canada and British Columbia, and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) signed the Framework Agreement on November 3, 2023. It expresses a shared vision for a collaborative and integrated approach to conservation. The ambitious actions planned include opportunities for communities, organizations, and individuals across B.C. The Framework Agreement is also a significant step toward aligning conservation with the cultural and social values that have been upheld by First Nations for generations.

The Framework Agreement focuses on the governance and coordination of conservation investments to maximize benefits that will:

• help meet Canada and B.C.’s 30 by 30 goal to protect at least 30 per cent of the land and water in B.C. by 2030
• protect key areas that support wildlife and contribute to climate resiliency
• reduce the cost of disaster recovery by better protecting the province from drought and floods, wildfire, and other natural disasters
• improve ecosystem health and contribute to species at risk recovery through the restoration of damaged ecosystems
• engage people in conservation activities to improve community well-being
• sequester and store carbon

Under the Framework Agreement, the federal, provincial, and First Nations signatories are equal. The partners recognize their leadership role in enabling and empowering the stewardship of the great diversity of species, ecosystems and habitats that are deeply rooted in the identity and ways of life of many of the people who live in B.C. They recognize that healthy ecosystems support us all and provide cultural, social, and economic benefits.

Respecting First Nations rights and title is central to this work. The partners have adopted a distinctions-based approach. In B.C., this means the work will be conducted in a way that acknowledges the specific rights, interests, and priorities of First Nations rights and title holders. The Framework Agreement respects that these distinct Peoples have unique cultures, histories, rights, laws, and governments.

With respect to nature conservation, the partners acknowledge that:

• global impacts on biodiversity and climate change affect everyone
• Indigenous Peoples are disproportionately affected by global impacts on biodiversity and climate change
• First Nations people have been stewards of this land since time immemorial, with a unique connection to the environment and place-based knowledge
• the leadership and knowledge of First Nations, combined with or complementary to science, is critical to deal with complex nature conservation challenges and is necessary to support both ecological and cultural resilience

The Framework Agreement enables Canada, B.C., and First Nations to:

• identify priorities to halt or reverse biodiversity loss
• create more resilient landscapes in the face of increasing risk of wildfire, flood and drought
• work in alignment with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (See Annex A)
• create opportunities for participation from all levels of government (including local governments), non-governmental organizations, citizens, residents and industry
• generate jobs, support sustainable industries, and enhance local economies

The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation aims for concrete, place-based conservation outcomes. Examples of specific targets include adding up to 13,000 square kilometers of permanently protected old-growth forests and creating a network of protected areas that meet local biodiversity and cultural priorities.

The Framework agreement sets out objectives for coordination, communication, and reporting in four key areas:

1. Habitat and ecosystem conservation and protection
2. Habitat enhancement and restoration
3. Species at risk protection and recovery
4. Foundational knowledge and information sharing

The Framework Agreement represents a combined investment of more than $1 billion. The Governments of Canada and B.C. have each committed to contributing $500 million. Contributions from other organizations across B.C. will add to this total. Much of the funding is being channelled through existing programs.

Under the Framework Agreement the partners will work to improve, align, and coordinate programs and policy to better support the transformation they seek to accomplish.

The Framework Agreement is intended to build the foundation for a long-lasting partnership both throughout and beyond the length of this agreement, which runs from November 2023 to March 2030. The partners recognize that large-scale conservation activities are highly complex. Outcomes like complete ecosystem restoration or a rapid reversal in biodiversity loss will not be achieved in the short term as they require substantial time, resources, and adaptive management. The Framework Agreement offers a collaborative path forward, balancing conservation with sustainable economic goals while honoring First Nations stewardship.

This first annual report includes data that goes back to April 1, 2021, to create a baseline for future reports. Subsequent reports will be based on the fiscal year (April through March) and publication will take place annually near the end of the calendar year.

Principles

The Framework Agreement is guided by the following principles:

• Consultation and cooperation
• Recognition and respect
• Decision-making
• Transparency and adaptive management
• Funding coordination
• Socio-Economic considerations
• First Nations leadership

Governance

The Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation is an agreement between the Government of Canada, the Government of B.C., and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). To facilitate implementation of the Framework Agreement, parties have set up a Tripartite Nature Committee, alongside a bilateral committee and various subcommittees. Canada and B.C. are also exploring options to ensure participation from all levels of government, non-governmental organizations, citizens, residents, and industry.

The FNLC received a mandate from First Nations in B.C. to co-develop and sign the Framework Agreement. The B.C. Assembly of First Nations, the First Nations Summit, and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs provided the mandate by way of resolutions endorsed by Chiefs and leaders. These three organizations make up the FNLC. The Council works under the guidance of its members to advocate on issues impacting First Nations.

The Framework Agreement recognizes and respects the inherent right of First Nations to self-determination and self-government within their territories. The FNLC will work with the governments of Canada and B.C. to uphold this recognition and respect. The FNLC is not a title or treaty rights holder and cannot provide consent on behalf of individual First Nations. The partners will work with First Nations and Treaty partners directly in on-the-ground implementation of the Framework Agreement.

Project profile: Incomappleux conservancy - Protecting one of the oldest and rarest forests in B.C.

Meeting objective 1: Habitat and ecosystem conservation and protection

The new Incomappleux Conservancy is one of the most significant protected areas created in B.C. in a decade.

The conservancy spans more than 58,000 hectares in the remote wilderness southeast of Revelstoke. It is part of B.C.’s rare inland temperate rainforest. Some of its old-growth cedar and hemlock trees are four metres (13 feet) in diameter. They are estimated to be more than 1,000 years old. The forest supports more than 250 lichen species, including some that are new to science. It is home to grizzly and black bears, and habitat for a variety of endangered plant and fungal species.

The creation of the Incomappleux Conservancy in January 2023 is a good example of the use of interim protections before long-term protections are in place. It was one of nine areas in B.C. where tree harvesting was deferred in September 2020 after the release of the Old-Growth Strategic Review. This deferral allows First Nations, the Province, and other partners to develop new approaches to sustainable forest management that prioritize ecosystem health and community resiliency.

Besides the conservancy, 17,000 hectares in the southern part of the valley were protected in the short term from forestry activity and new mineral tenure registrations.

The creation of the Incomappleux Conservancy was a joint project of the Nature Conservancy of Canada, Interfor Corporation and the Province working with First Nations whose territory includes the Incomappleux Valley. The work was partly funded through the federal Old Growth Nature Fund.

The Province and First Nations are now working to develop long-term management plans for both the conservancy and the additional 17,000 hectares of protected area.

Objective one: Habitat and ecosystem conservation and protection

The governments of Canada and B.C. are committed to protecting and conserving 30 per cent of the lands and waters of particular importance to biodiversity in B.C. by 2030 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (See Annex B). The diverse landscape in the province includes forests, grasslands, tundra, coastal waters, salt marshes and wetlands. Protecting 30 per cent of these natural places is a science-based goal, to be informed by Indigenous knowledge, that will help to:

• maintain healthy wildlife populations
• maintain water quality and quantity
• reduce the impact of climate change
• recover species at risk
• avoid complex and costly restoration efforts
• ensure access to natural and wild spaces for all British Columbians

Accomplishing this ambitious objective will require the collaboration and support of all British Columbians and the use of different approaches and tools. Activities to date have helped develop community visions, set up partnerships, and build momentum for many projects. The next step is to move projects from the planning phase to meet habitat protection standards as outlined in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database.

Further work is needed to give a voice to members of diverse communities. This work includes supporting conservation efforts led by First Nations partners that can involve protecting sacred sites, traditional food sources, and medicinal plants that are essential to cultural practices.

For the most part, B.C. land use planning processes will be used to identify and establish new protected areas while also considering the need to grow and diversify BCs economy. Alternative methods may also be used to conserve habitats and ecosystems with high conservation values, such as old growth forests, wetlands, habitat for species at risk. Alternative methods include land acquired for conservation by land trusts, conservancies, various levels of government – or partnerships between a mix of these groups. For example, B.C.’s conservation lands program includes partnerships with non-governmental organizations, various levels of government, and others to secure and manage land.

Under the Framework Agreement (section 4.1 b), the area protected and conserved is reported to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Database.

Progress towards conserving 30% of BC’s land and waters by 2030 as of March 2024 ¹

Protected areas are defined as areas that are legally designated and managed with conservation as their primary objective. The legal designation ensures that permitted activities are compatible with the primary conservation objective. This typically excludes industrial resource extraction but may include activities such as recreation. Protected areas include national, provincial, and territorial parks, national wildlife areas, migratory bird sanctuaries and marine protected areas.

Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) are conserved areas that do not meet the definition of protected but are managed in a way that conserves biodiversity over the long term. Examples of OECMs include research forests, community watersheds, and recreational areas.

Project profile: Clayoquot conservancies – Old-growth strategy conserves ecosystem health and biodiversity

Meeting objective 1: Habitat and ecosystem conservation and protection

One of the world’s ancient temperate rainforests is now better protected as of June 2024. That is when a First Nations-led conservation initiative created 10 new conservancies in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The legendary Clayoquot ecosystem is in the territories of the Ahousaht, Tla-o-qui-aht, and Hesquiaht First Nations. The newly protected land totals 76,000 hectares. It includes old-growth forests, habitat for several endangered and threatened species, and lands next to existing protected areas.

The new conservancies were formerly part of the tree farm licence held by Ma-Mook Natural Resources, which is owned by five Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations.

The project is a good example of the partnerships supported by the Framework Agreement. Three provincial ministries (Forestry; Environment and Climate Change Strategy; Water, Land and Resource Stewardship) collaborated with the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. They also worked with the other owners of Ma-Mook Natural Resources. Nature United, a conservation organization, secured funding for Ma-Mook to remove the areas from the tree farm license and to support ongoing stewardship of the protected areas led by the First Nations. Funding support came from multiple sources, including Canada’s Old Growth Nature Fund.

Protecting high-priority old-growth forests is a central objective of the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation. This first phase of the Clayoquot initiative advances this work by promoting forest conservation, fostering reconciliation, and sustaining healthy ecosystems. It also clarifies what areas are designated for ongoing forestry management to support timber supply. This project is an example of the Framework Agreement’s commitment to fostering collaboration between governments and First Nations to safeguard vital ecosystems and ensure long-term environmental resilience.

Objective two: Habitat enhancement and restoration

Enhancement and restoration work is another important cornerstone in the effort to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Restoration reverses damage to degraded habitats. Enhancement activities change the natural landscape to improve ecological functions. Examples of enhancement include using new management techniques for invasive species, ranges and forest health. These functions are important for landscape resilience in the face of climate change.

B.C. is committed to coordinating work with First Nations, industry land managers, land trusts and private-land conservation partners interested in restoration as part of their sustainability planning and strategies. Many restoration projects already use First Nations approaches, including prescribed fire. This ensures that traditional ecological knowledge informs restoration and enhancement in culturally significant ways.

Restoration and enhancement initiatives create numerous economic opportunities, particularly in northern, remote, rural and First Nations communities. These initiatives are also building capacity for long-term environmental stewardship.

The partners are working together to develop a restoration plan with priorities and indicators. The priorities will help ensure enhancement and restoration activities have the greatest impact possible. The indicators will ensure consistent reporting.

The 2 Billion Trees program is working with the Government of British Columbia to develop and secure funding for projects that benefit species at risk and enrich ecosystems through tree planting. The program remains committed to providing B.C. with up to $104 million by March 2031 to fund habitat restoration projects for species at risk and other species of interest, including projects that focus on wildfire mitigation and recovery, and watershed health.

Tracked hectares restored and enhanced by federal framework agreement funds¹ as of March 2024

Project profile: Stqeeye’ learning society - Restoration project brings back land – and generations of tradition

Meeting objective 2: Habitat enhancement and restoration

A First Nations organization on a southern Gulf Island is working to re-establish critical ecosystems. Its multi-part efforts aim to bring back native species, store clean water and carbon, and build climate resiliency. At the same time, the society’s work fosters traditional cultural practices and community engagement.

The Stqeeye’ (pronounced STAH-KAY-AH) Learning Society is a non-profit organization based on Salt Spring Island in the traditional territory of the Quw’utsun (KO’WHUT’SUN) Peoples. Its mission is to restore and preserve lands and waters in Xwaaqw’um (Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park). Xwaaqw’um (WAA-KWUM) was the location of a traditional village and it is a significant spiritual site.

Before contact, Xwaaqw’um was home to towering old growth Western Red Cedar trees, intact fish-bearing streams, and abundant wildlife. Industrial logging and the conversion of land for agriculture and settlement over the last 200 years has degraded these ecosystems. The society is bringing together youth, Elders, and partners to restore the land and revive land-based cultural practices.

Among several projects, the Stqeeye’ Learning Society is working to restore 20 hectares of wetlands. The work involves removing invasive plants, creating pools, and strategically placing large stumps. After that, thousands of native plants will be transplanted with the help of many volunteers. The result: habitats for fish, amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, and water-loving plants. These include 10 species at risk (animal and plant).

The work has included a baseline study to track the carbon storage capacity of different types of ecosystems. Funding partners include Environment and Climate Change Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, B.C. Parks, B.C. Wildlife Federation, and others, such as Watersheds B.C. and Indigenous Peoples Resilience Fund.

Objective three: Species at risk protection and recovery

The loss of a species from an ecosystem can have widespread and irreversible ripple effects. This includes impacts to First Nations title and rights. Reducing the number of species at risk is a tangible indicator of ecosystem health and community well-being.

The Framework Agreement applies directly to 212 wildlife species at risk (as listed on Canada’s Species at Risk Act)^{Footnote 1} . Species become a conservation concern for a variety of reasons, such as disease, invasive species, habitat loss, and climate change. Often it is multiple factors combined.

The recovery of a species population can be complex. It can require multiple activities and adaptive management over time. Identifying and prioritizing conservation actions is key to this work. This involves rigorous assessments based on scientific data, Indigenous knowledge, and public input.

The Framework Agreement is intended to support more collaborative and effective approaches to protecting and recovering species at risk. It is important to integrate multiple perspectives into decision-making in order to maximize the chances for successful recovery. This is especially true for species that are culturally significant to First Nations Peoples.

The protection of critical habitat is often important to ensure the recovery of a species. Critical habitat, as defined by the federal Species at Risk Act, is the habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species. It is identified as the species' critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species.

Working with First Nations and stakeholders, B.C. and Canada will ensure continued progress towards critical habitat protection. A key objective of the Framework Agreement is to accelerate the protection and management of critical habitat. Between 2016 and 2021, when the negotiation of the Framework Agreement commenced, critical habitat was identified for 48 species, covering 875,284 hectares. Protecting that much habitat is complex and will therefore take time. Canada will report on steps taken to protect critical habitat every 180 days as required by the Species at Risk Act.

Endangered and threatened species at risk critical habitat^1,2,3 protection and conservation⁴ as of March 2024

Endangered and threatened species at risk critical habitat^1,2,3 in special management areas^4,5 as of March 2024

Number of species with critical habitat^1,2,3 in conserved, protected⁴ and special management areas^5,6 as of March 2024

Project profile: Bunchgrass Hills - conserving land to protect wildlife

Meeting objective 3: Species at risk protection and recovery

A project near Kamloops, B.C. is protecting wildlife by protecting a specific type of land that is critical to their well-being: native grasslands.

In B.C., grasslands represent less than one per cent of the provincial land base, yet they support more than 30 per cent of the species at risk. Bunchgrass Hills Conservation Area is a vast expanse of native grasslands, forests, and wetlands south of Kamloops within the traditional territories of the Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux and Syilx Nations. At more than 6,100 hectares spread out in four separate areas, it is one of the largest private grassland conservation projects in B.C.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) acquired the land with funding from the province through the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship and the federal Canada Nature Fund. Environmental foundations and private donors also contributed.

Bunchgrass Hills secures substantial, diverse, and connected habitat for dozens of species iconic to B.C.’s interior. It is also critical habitat for four federally listed species at risk: the endangered American badger, threatened Lewis’s woodpecker, the threatened Great Basin gophersnake, and the threatened Great Basin spadefoot toad.

The availability of grasslands, open forests, wetlands, and rocky areas at Bunchgrass Hills help support these at-risk species because they each require a diversity of habitats throughout their life cycles. Waterfowl also use the wetland and upland habitat on Bunchgrass hills for feeding, breeding, and nesting.

Grasslands play a vital role in water security as well as climate resiliency. The 100 hectares of wetlands and small lakes within Bunchgrass Hills improve water health for wildlife and livestock alike. The grasses have extensive root systems that stabilize the soil and store a considerable amount of carbon.

These grasslands contribute to local economic and ecological prosperity. Sustainable cattle grazing will play an important role in conservation of the area.

NCC is working with Upper Nicola Band to better understand the landscape and provide access to important medicinal and food resources found in Bunchgrass Hills.

Objective four: Foundational knowledge and information sharing

Timely and relevant data, information, and knowledge are essential for the successful implementation of this Framework Agreement. This must include a strong role for First Nations knowledge and science, while upholding and respecting First Nations data sovereignty. The partners of the Framework Agreement will collaborate to enhance data and information collection, management, analysis, and extension to achieve the objectives and the stewardship of species and ecosystems.

Work to date has centered on creating, maintaining, and sharing databases.

Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database - Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Department of Fisheries and Oceans (for marine protection) together with other provinces and territories publish the most current spatial and attribute data^{Footnote 2}  on marine and terrestrial protected areas in Canada in this database. It also includes data on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). Future versions of this database will include data from local government and conservation partners that meet the reporting guidelines (for example, regional, and private lands managed for conservation objectives).

Data B.C./Government of Canada - Recent spatial data on critical habitat for species at risk has been posted on these sites. For sensitive species, a data sharing agreement and training module is required prior to release.

Seabirds - ECCC has published B.C.’s Seabird Colony Dataset and facilitated publication of Sea Duck Key Habitat Sites in B.C. and the Pacific Estuary Conservation Program’s priority assessment of B.C.’s estuaries for waterbirds.

Information on the databases listed above is now available as a web-mapping service in multiple file formats.

Canadian National Wetlands Inventory - ECCC published the first version of the national wetland data in 2024. It has been working with B.C and partners to expand the inventory since 2021. To date, more than 4.8 million hectares in B.C. have been assessed and 419,187 hectares have been classified as wetlands and added to the inventory.

The partners commit to the principles of First Nations data sovereignty, commonly known as OCAP: Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession. These principles ensure the rights of First Nations to ownership and control of information about their communities and community members. OCAP respects the fact that First Nations are stewards of their own information, much the same way they are stewards of their own lands.

Project profile: How data is helping protect wetlands

Meeting objective 4: Foundational knowledge and information sharing

Wetland ecosystems are among the most degraded ecosystems worldwide. They were often drained, filled in, or treated as dumping grounds. These practices were so common that about 70 per cent of wetlands in southern Canada were lost before 1990 – and up to 98 per cent in densely populated areas. This behaviour was echoed around the world, making wetlands one of Earth’s most threatened ecosystem types.

We now know that wetlands are some of earth’s most vital ecosystems. They are highly productive and biologically diverse. They filter water pollution, provide flood protection, and store carbon. They provide a home to many threatened and endangered species. They also provide a wide variety of sustenance and recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, photography, and wildlife observation.

As the benefits of wetlands have become more widely known, they are increasingly seen as valuable resources worthy of protection and restoration. In 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands marked the first global treaty that recognized wetlands as ecosystems of global importance and aimed to conserve and ensure their sustainable use. There are three internationally designated wetlands of importance in B.C.: The Columbia Wetlands, Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, and the Fraser River Delta. These total about 156,000 hectares.

Many other wetlands and tidal areas are identified as key biodiversity or migratory stop-over locations important to waterfowl. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) is an international agreement between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico to protect wetlands and waterfowl. Its work is carried out through partnerships like the Pacific Birds Habitat and Canadian Intermountain Joint Ventures, which bring together governments and organizations in B.C. to conserve birds and their habitat. The two Joint Ventures develop large-scale conservation planning tools to prioritize habitats for protection, restoration, and enhancement, collaborating with industry, NGOs, private landowners, and First Nations to implement conservation on the ground.

To further support and guide this work, the governments of Canada and B.C. have started a B.C. Wetlands Inventory. Provincial work also includes developing wetlands policy and tools for education and training.

This vital initiative will map, monitor, and manage wetlands across B.C. to promote sustainable land use practices. These efforts will help preserve biodiversity, protect against climate change, and support the storage of greenhouse gases. At the same time, they will protect or restore habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The project involves detailed data collection, with significant fieldwork completed so far on more than 170 sites. The work included partnerships with First Nations Guardians to ensure integration of First Nations knowledge and stewardship into wetland conservation. It also involved creating monitoring protocols to guide the ongoing assessment of wetland health and to allow for flexible strategies to respond to changing environmental conditions.

British Columbia is also working in partnership with many organizations, including BC Wildlife Federation on supporting the refinement and calibration of the Wetland Ecosystem Services Protocol. This tool provides a consistent and comparable way to measure wetland functions (for example, carbon storage, flood control, pollinator habitat), allowing users to better communicate the functions of wetlands in support of conservation and protection.

The project is ongoing. Actions so far highlight the need for collaboration in collecting data and the importance of shared knowledge to foster effective conservation practices.

Funding

Under the Framework Agreement, the Government of Canada and B.C. commit to contributing up to $500 million each. The funds will support ambitious and sustained actions that will protect and conserve biodiversity, habitats, and species at risk. They will also address climate change using nature-based climate solutions.

The Government of Canada is contributing primarily from the:

Enhanced Nature Legacy,

Old Growth Nature Fund,

Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, and

2 Billion Trees Program

(note: while the majority of federal funds have been committed through these and other programs, only funds already spent are reported on below).

The Government of B.C. is matching the federal funding by leveraging existing programs and funding commitments, such as those related to:

land use planning,

caribou recovery,

Together for Wildlife Strategy,

Collaborative Indigenous Stewardship Framework,

B.C. Conservation Fund (in collaboration with the B.C. Parks Foundation),

Watershed Security Fund (in collaboration with the Real Estate Foundation of B.C.

and the First Nations Fisheries Council),

and the Guardian and Stewardship Training Initiative (in collaboration with New Relationship Trust).

The federal and provincial investments have and will continue to generate jobs, support sustainable industries, build capacity for environmental stewardship, and enhance local economies. Investing in conservation efforts helps protect B.C.’s natural resources, promoting long-term environmental, cultural, and economic resilience.

The funds reported on below cover the time between April 2021 to March 2024. Data from 2021-2023 covers a period before the FNLC was a formal partner. Reporting goes back to 2021 because funding was made available in good faith while the Framework Agreement was developed.

Project profile: Klinse-za/Twin Sisters Park expansion – sacred sites and caribou habitat protected

Meeting objective 1: Habitat and ecosystem conservation and protection

The expansion of the Klinse-za/Twin Sisters Park and protected area in northeastern B.C. contributes to the goal of protecting 30% of lands in B.C. by 2030. The expanded park will protect nearly 200,000 hectares of land, helping restore healthy food-webs and watersheds that British Columbians rely upon. It is a key measure to support the recovery of caribou and other species at risk in the region, as well as protect important cultural sites.

The ongoing collaboration and sharing of knowledge between the governments of B.C., Canada, Saulteau First Nation and West Moberly First Nations has been fundamental to this conservation success.

During the last century, the number of caribou in B.C. declined by more than 55 per cent. Increased predation linked to human-caused habitat disturbance led to these declines. There are now fewer than 4,000 Southern Mountain Caribou – a threatened species – left in B.C. The park will help restore healthy ecosystems and watersheds, including vital caribou habitats. This is a key measure to recover caribou in the region.

The park expansion is the result of a historic 2020 partnership agreement between the governments of B.C, Canada, Saulteau First Nations, and West Moberly First Nations. The agreement commits all partners to take action to help stabilize and increase Southern Mountain Caribou populations in northeastern B.C. to levels that are self-sustaining and support traditional aboriginal harvesting activities, consistent with existing Aboriginal and Treaty rights, while considering the effects of this work on surrounding communities.

The Government of Canada provided $46 million to support compensation for industries and tenure holders affected by the implementation of the Partnership Agreement. It also provided $10 million to support a regional economic diversification trust for the region. While federal funding under the Framework Agreement excludes Southern Mountain Caribou projects as it is governed under a separate agreement, $740,000 was provided to First Nations to establish this site through the Indigenous-Led Area-Based Conservation program.

Next steps

Priorities for the next year include:

• exploring the creation of a data and information sharing plan including First Nations data governance protocols, partnerships, and information-sharing agreements
• supporting efforts to identify priority areas for restoration and conservation sites and communicating these opportunities effectively
• adding new performance indicators to further support transparency and accountability by specifying targets and communicating annual progress
• developing a website to share information about the progress of the Framework Agreement
• continuing to seek opportunities to optimize the positive economic benefits of conservation efforts. Activities will entail inclusive planning and equitable benefit sharing, supporting sustainable industries, diversified economies and critical minerals, and building capacity for environmental stewardship
• continuing to work collaboratively to protect critical ecosystems alongside First Nations, communities, workers, industry, organizations, and the public in a way that upholds rights and title claims, and contributes to long term, inclusive economic growth that benefits all British Columbians
• streamlining application processes for funding programs to reduce barriers to access. Work will include developing information materials, outreach to potential applicants, and increased internal communication among government divisions
• continuing to work together to better align federal and provincial programs, policy, and funding to achieve substantial progress at halting and reversing biodiversity loss, increasing resilience to climate change, and safeguarding the long-term health of communities and economies

Project profile: Reconnecting the Rockies – protecting wildlife and people by reducing deadly crossings

Meeting objective 3: Species at risk protection and recovery

10,000 – that is the number of times wildlife and vehicles run into each other on B.C. roads – every year. Highway 3, which winds through the Elk Valley in southeastern B.C., is a particularly deadly stretch, with about 200 large-mammal collisions annually.

Also known as the Crowsnest Pass, Highway 3 is one of North America's most important wildlife corridors. That is because it runs through one of the most ecologically significant regions in Canada. The Elk Valley is home to iconic animal species like grizzly bear and wolverine, Canada lynx, bighorn sheep, and – of course – elk. These kinds of wild animals are usually on the move over wide areas – migrating, feeding, mating, or just taking care of their young.

The accidents take a high toll on wildlife as traffic volumes increase year over year. For example, almost a third of grizzly bear deaths and 25 per cent of elk deaths in the area are caused by collisions with vehicles. The good news is there are proven solutions that are starting to make a difference.

A diverse team including scientists and representatives from provincial and local governments, industry, conservation groups and the Ktunaxa First Nation are working on this project. The result is Reconnecting the Rockies, a long-term project to help keep wildlife safely off the road by creating a system of underpasses and overpasses, connected by fencing.

The project will ultimately include nine enhancement projects to be constructed by 2030. So far, five underpasses have been retrofitted and three of those have been connected with fencing.

Protecting wildlife is the main goal, but the safe crossing project also reduces the risk of injury to motorists and damage to vehicles. These kinds of projects in other areas have reduced collisions by 80 to 90 per cent. The B.C. government expects the safe passage system to pay for itself within 20 years.

Similar projects to enhance ecological connectivity and create ecological corridors are being planned in collaboration with partners and stakeholders in priority areas utilizing funding received from Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors, which complements activities funded under the Framework Agreement.

Annex A: Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation – Sections that refer to UNDRIP

In terms of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), there are references in the Framework Agreement that state:

Pursuant to Canada’s and B.C.’s respective commitments to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and, in particular, Articles 24-29, Canada and B.C. will consult and cooperate with First Nations to develop agreements, understandings or other constructive arrangements that respect First Nations decision-making authorities and inherent rights of self-determination and self-government, and to ensure appropriate processes and resources are in place so that First Nations may effectively engage in the implementation of this Agreement.

Decision-Making: Work in a manner that is consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including:

• article 18, which affirms that First Nations “have the right to participate in decision-making in matters which would affect their rights, through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures, as well as to maintain and develop their own Indigenous decision-making institutions.”
• article 19 which affirms that government “shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them.”
• article 32.1 which affirms that First Nations “have the right to determine and develop priorities and strategies for the development or use of their lands or territories and other resources.”
• article 32.2 which affirms governments “shall consult and cooperate in good faith with Indigenous Peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free and informed consent prior to the approval of any project affecting their lands or territories and other resources, particularly in connection with the development, utilization or exploitation of mineral, water or other resources”

Annex B: Linkages between the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Tripartite Framework Agreement for Nature Conservation