Why watershed governance? Why now?
This event was made possible by generous financial contributions from the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, the BC Ministry of Environment, Simon Fraser University’s Pacific Water Research Centre, and the University of Victoria’s Centre for Global Studies.
Watersheds 2016: Building Capacity for Collaboration and Watershed Governance in British Columbia was a 1.5 day forum that built directly on the learnings and successes of Watersheds 2014. Through panel sessions, field trips, breakout workshops and structured peer-to-peer learning, participants built skills and enhanced capacity for watershed governance in British Columbia.
Watersheds 2016 bridged with and complemented the Living Waters Rally 2016, a national event hosted by the Canadian Freshwater Alliance from September 27 – 30, 2016.
When and Where
September 30 – October 1, 2016
Simon Fraser University’s Harbour Centre (Sept. 30) and Wosk Centre for Dialogue (Oct. 1), Vancouver, British Columbia
Who Should Attend
Those who want to get engaged, be inspired or make a difference in their watersheds, including watershed groups, water practitioners, researchers, First Nations, and other decision-makers. Students, youth and young professionals are encouraged to participate.
Event Contacts
For general event queries, please contact Rosie Simms at [email protected].
Acknowledgements
Watersheds 2016 was co-organized by four core partners: The POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, The Canadian Freshwater Alliance, The Fraser Basin Council, and The First Nations Fisheries Council.
This event was made possible by generous financial contributions from the Real Estate Foundation of British Columbia, the BC Ministry of Environment, Simon Fraser University’s Pacific Water Research Centre, and the University of Victoria’s Centre for Global Studies. Other partners for this event included WWF-Canada, the Forum for Leadership on Water, and Evergreen. Water Canada Magazine was the official event media partner.
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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.
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.