Announcement on BC’s investment in watershed health

 

Earlier this week, a landmark commitment of $30 million to continue to improve B.C.’s watersheds was announced. We are pleased to share that half of the funding ($15 million) will be provided to Watersheds BC through the MakeWay Foundation to co-ordinate watershed restoration projects led or co-led by First Nations.

The remaining $15 million will go to six organizations to support watershed restoration work throughout the province. They are BC Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Living Lakes Canada, Redd Fish Restoration Society, Farmland Advantage (Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC),and the Rivershed Society of BC.

“Healthy watersheds and wetlands are critical for climate adaptation,” Premier Horgan said at the announcement. “They serve as a protective buffer for communities against flooding, droughts and wildfires. This new funding will help safeguard B.C.’s watersheds and wetlands for generations to come, while continuing to create good, local jobs for people throughout the province.”

“Water is the most basic need for humans and ecosystem health, safety and progress. It inspires celebrations, music, art, poetry, and stories. For indigenous communities, it’s sacred. People feel the impact of climate change most strongly through water.” said Zita Botelho, Director of Watersheds BC. “Proactive investments in our watersheds like we are celebrating here today are the best line of defense against the climate crisis and can save billions of dollars from future climate disasters.”

See the video of the announcement by Premiere Horgan here

See summary by MakeWay, Watersheds BC’s partner organization for this funding, here