Resources and nature regs? Framing ecological protection in BC in a time of heightened resource extraction
EcoA collaborated with Organizing for Change and Environics to find out how British Columbians viewed the balance between resource development and environmental regulations meant to protect BC’s ecosystems and communities. What do British Columbians feel are the ecological guardrails for protecting nature, while encouraging responsible economic development? This round of qualitative research spoke with six focus groups in Metro Vancouver, Surrey, Kelowna, Prince George, Southern Interior and Vancouver Island. Participants were drawn from the “moveable middle” with a mix of age, gender urban/suburban/rural regions. Insights revealed some definite knowledge gaps around the current state of regulations and nature loss, as well as some promising frames for making the case for supporting stronger nature protection regulations.
Keywords: British Columbia, biodiversity, ecological guardrails, 30×30 nature protection, CA-MAP, social values, conservation economy, economic development, resources
