Regional Action Framework (RAF)

Through the Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP), First Nations communities produced plans to identify marine uses that:

  • Support the human well-being of First Nations and coastal communities.
  • Improve the stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.

The Regional Action Framework (RAF) – developed by the four sub-regions – recommends actions at a regional scale that are consistent with plans developed for four regions.

Like the sub-regional plans, the RAF takes an ecosystem-based management approach. It addresses issues based on First Nations and provincial priority interests – including regional governance; ecological integrity and human well-being; emergency response, compliance and enforcement; zoning recommendations; and implementation.

Sub-regional MaPP plans encompass an area of about 102,000 square kilometers along two-thirds of the coast of British Columbia, including the Traditional Territories of 17 First Nations:

  • The Central Coast – extending from Laredo Channel and the northern tip of Aristazabal Island in the north to the southern limit of Rivers Inlet and Calvert Island.
  • The North Coast – extending from Portland Inlet in the north to the south end of Aristazabal Island, where it has a small overlap with the northern boundary of the Central Coast sub-region.
  • Haida Gwaii – extending from the international border in the north to the toe of the continental slope in the west.
  • North Vancouver Island – bounded by the Cape Scott Islands to the west, Smith Sound/ Cape Caution to the east, and the Quadra Island/Bute Inlet area to the south.

Rights and Title

MaPP plans are consistent with First Nations constitutional rights (Section 35). The plans do not in any way define or limit the title and rights of First Nations, and are without prejudice with respect to rights and title in regards to any current or future litigation, negotiations or treaties.