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Together for Wildlife Strategy Development

Last updated on November 14, 2022

The Together for Wildlife strategy engagement process consisted of four phases, including the implementation phase. The timeline for this project spanned from the spring of 2018 to summer of 2020.

Visual depiction of the strategy phases and timeline

On this page:

Phase 1: Initial discussions

This phase sought perspectives from Indigenous peoples, rural communities, wildlife and habitat organizations, natural resource development industry stakeholders and the public on the issues and concerns they believe should be considered in any new approaches to wildlife management and habitat conservation. Input from this and the other phases were summarized in “what we heard” papers that describe the major themes and issues received through our initial engagement, and was used to refine, clarify and communicate the engagement process.

The first phase of engagement was held from May 22 to July 31, 2018. We received over 1,100 comments through the website discussion and close to 50 written submissions.

What we heard summary reports

During phase 1, Indigenous peoples, stakeholders and the public were asked to share their concerns and ideas for new approaches to improve wildlife management and habitat conservation. We received hundreds of e-mails, thousands of on-line comments, and met with over 100 Indigenous communities and 50 stakeholder organizations. The following reports summarize what we heard.

Phase 2: Analysis and collaborative policy development

The second phase of engagement focused on collaborative policy development from December 2018 to October 2019. During this phase, we worked closely with a newly established B.C.-First Nation Wildlife Forum and stakeholders from a range of sectors to identify priority policy options for the government to consider. The engagement involved monthly meetings with the B.C.-First Nation Wildlife Forum, and a series of webinars and workshops.

The Phase 2 Engagement Progress Update (PDF, 2.6MB) summarizes what was heard in Phase 1, including existing challenges and opportunities, recommendations for improving wildlife management and habitat conservation, and how people would like to be engaged in the future. This paper also identified the key themes and outlined the collaboration process for Phase 2.

First Nations-B.C. Wildlife Forum

In December 2018, the First Nations-B.C. Wildlife Forum was created in response to the Province’s Improving Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Initiative (renamed to the Together for Wildlife strategy) as an innovative way to obtain perspectives from First Nations across British Columbia on wildlife stewardship issues. The Forum is comprised of participants from more than 40 B.C. First Nations. Their work was not consultation and members do not represent any other First Nation. The Forum helped draft the Together for Wildlife strategy with the Province.

Stakeholder engagement

A webinar with stakeholders was held in December of 2018 to recap what was heard in Phase 1, introduce Phase 2 of the engagement process and outline the priority areas for future discussions. In January 2019, a two-day workshop was held to begin to develop policy options for the Province to consider and lay the groundwork for future engagement and discussion through webinars. A series of webinars were presented in spring 2019 wo stakeholders to focus discussions on the eight priority policy areas previously identified. The Stakeholder Policy Recommendations Report (PDF, 0.6MB) summarizes the stakeholder’s policy recommendations to government on how to improve wildlife management and habitat conservation in the province.

Phase 3: Validation of policy options

The collaborative work from phases 1 and 2 culminated in a draft Together for Wildlife strategy, which outlines 5 priority goals and 23 actions to improve wildlife management and habitat conservation. The Province is committed to making significant new investments and developing new partnerships to collaboratively deliver stewardship together. Changes will be made in collaboration with Indigenous governments, local governments and partners supported by engagement with all British Columbians.

A draft Together for Wildlife strategy was built over 21 months through an unprecedented conversation with British Columbians. Comprehensive discussions were held with Indigenous communities, rural communities, academic institutions and a wide range of resource industry, conservation, hunter, trapper, guide, recreation and tourism stakeholder organizations, as well as the public. During these discussions, the groups were asked what actions could be taken to improve wildlife stewardship. The strategy reflects the rich dialogue and diversity of ideas that were heard.

During the third phase of engagement, we checked in with stakeholders and the general public, and continued to engage with First Nations in B.C. to make sure that the right actions were identified in the draft Together for Wildlife strategy. This phase began with workshops with the B.C.-First Nation Wildlife Forum and stakeholders in October 2019, and continued with broader engagement in fall 2019.

To address the input received, the following changes were made to the final strategy:

  • Added a new action to review existing, and consider new, creative funding models, and make recommendations to ensure sufficient, dedicated, long-term funding for wildlife and habitat stewardship in B.C.
  • Referenced providing support and advice to the Minister on new and existing legislation, under the mandate for Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council
  • Broadened reference to related programs across government under actions for the establishment of a Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council, regional Wildlife Advisory Committees, and First Nation-BC Wildlife Forum.

 

Together for Wildlife strategy implementation

The Together for Wildlife strategy provides a broad vision for wildlife management and habitat conservation in the Province. Although implementation began after the final strategy was announced, aspects of the strategy were implemented throughout all phases of this initiative.

Examples of the work underway include:

  • Formed the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council
  • Increased investment to wildlife monitoring and inventory projects across the province to fill critical information gaps for priority species
  • Assessments to prioritize and delivery of on-the-ground stewardship projects across the province to improve wildlife habitat (e.g., through ecosystem restoration) and address treats to species (e.g., by reducing human-wildlife conflicts)
  • Continued objective-setting for priority wildlife populations (e.g., fisher in the north-east)
  • Invested in Conservation Land management through partnerships with non-governmental organizations
  • Launched a province-wide review of land designations under provincial legislation, to ensure they effectively contribute to conservation
  • Contributed funding to Universities to support wildlife and habitat research

For more information on the implementation of the strategy.

Contact information

If you have questions, please contact the Together for Wildlife team.


WHSR@gov.bc.ca