Why Watershed Governance? Why Now?

From record-breaking droughts to conflicts over use and rights, British Columbia’s fresh water is facing increasing threats.

Addressing current and looming freshwater challenges requires new partnerships and innovative forms of collaborative governance to respond to the many social and ecological needs of our watersheds.

Watersheds 2016 is the place to start.

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The freshwater movement in British Columbia is sophisticated and evolving. Dozens of water stewardship groups, Indigenous-led initiatives, local and regional governments, and watershed boards are taking action to protect our fresh water.

At a provincial scale, British Columbia’s new Water Sustainability Act also offers new opportunities for formal shared or delegated decision-making and watershed-based water sustainability planning.

Watersheds 2016 will bring together BC’s freshwater leaders to build capacity and produce practical solutions to address watershed governance challenges and take advantage of new opportunities.