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Investing in Communities

An essential part of the conservation solution is to build a new and diversified economy that sustains the long-term health of environment and communities.

The communities scattered along the coast of British Columbia, including those on Vancouver Island, have witnessed dramatic declines in economic prosperity over the past ten years. The region’s traditional economic base, fishing and forestry, has abated because waters were over-fished and forests over-cut. Global demand for these resources has also dwindled as competition has increased.

In order to gain government and community support for a conservation-based model, it must be demonstrated that such a model can bring short-term and long-term economic benefits to the region.

The coast conservation strategy includes a large-scale investment program that matches conservation commitments with grants and investment capital. The investment program has two key elements: a capital campaign to raise funds for conservation financing grants and a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) program to bring investment to conservation-oriented business ventures in the Great Bear Rainforest. Both require the establishment of new vehicles and institutions to hold and manage funds.

The Rainforest Solutions Project is in discussions with First Nations to secure strong conservation commitments and to draft conservation funding agreements before land-use negotiations with the provincial government conclude.

These funding agreements help clarify the potential economic benefits of conservation and help facilitate the levels of conservation that are consistent with the cultural values of First Nations.

However, one key outstanding question is what legal instrument will be used to designate new protected areas. Such designations are integral to ensuring lasting protection and reflecting First Nations’ Rights and Title.

A commitment of public monies from the BC government and the Federal Government of Canada is another unresolved issue. Efforts by the four environmental groups are underway to secure these public monies, while the campaign to attract private donations is already meeting with significant success.

photos: Adrian Dorst (banner), Al Harvey/Slidefarm (centre)

Navigation History of the Campaign Building a Solution Independent Science Collaboration with First Nations Dialogue with Industry Investing in Communities Land use planning The Groups Threats to the ecosystem Threats to Communities Current Status Search Site Advanced Search… Document Actions Send this page Print this page	Investing in Communities An essential part of the conservation solution is to build a new and diversified economy that sustains the long-term health of environment and communities.
	You are here: Home - The Campaign - Building a Solution - Investing in Communities Document Actions Send this page Print this page Investing in Communities An essential part of the conservation solution is to build a new and diversified economy that sustains the long-term health of environment and communities. The communities scattered along the coast of British Columbia, including those on Vancouver Island, have witnessed dramatic declines in economic prosperity over the past ten years. The region’s traditional economic base, fishing and forestry, has abated because waters were over-fished and forests over-cut. Global demand for these resources has also dwindled as competition has increased. In order to gain government and community support for a conservation-based model, it must be demonstrated that such a model can bring short-term and long-term economic benefits to the region. The coast conservation strategy includes a large-scale investment program that matches conservation commitments with grants and investment capital. The investment program has two key elements: a capital campaign to raise funds for conservation financing grants and a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) program to bring investment to conservation-oriented business ventures in the Great Bear Rainforest. Both require the establishment of new vehicles and institutions to hold and manage funds. The Rainforest Solutions Project is in discussions with First Nations to secure strong conservation commitments and to draft conservation funding agreements before land-use negotiations with the provincial government conclude. These funding agreements help clarify the potential economic benefits of conservation and help facilitate the levels of conservation that are consistent with the cultural values of First Nations. However, one key outstanding question is what legal instrument will be used to designate new protected areas. Such designations are integral to ensuring lasting protection and reflecting First Nations’ Rights and Title. A commitment of public monies from the BC government and the Federal Government of Canada is another unresolved issue. Efforts by the four environmental groups are underway to secure these public monies, while the campaign to attract private donations is already meeting with significant success. photos: Adrian Dorst (banner), Al Harvey/Slidefarm (centre)

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Investing in Communities