A new report from Coast Funds shows the massive economic output generated through almost two decades of investments in a conservation economy for the North and Central Coast and Haida Gwaii.
The report, Building a Conservation Economy, is the result of an independent analysis covering a 17-year period since the Great Bear Rainforest Agreements were announced. The results show how investments in Indigenous-led economic development can deliver long-term benefits for local communities, while creating cascading benefits for the rest of British Columbia.
“First Nations throughout the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii have brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the province’s conservation economy – creating local jobs, attracting new investments, and strengthening regional and provincial prosperity,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, and MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “It’s a pivotal moment in BC that sets a path forward – economic growth and conservation thrive together. The success we celebrate today, is the foundation towards BC’s vision for a resilient community-focused future.”
Supported by the initial $60-million Economic Development Fund, these investments “contributed $808 million to provincial GDP and netted $1.77 billion in gross economic output,” including new businesses, infrastructure, and projects contributing $331 million to household incomes and supporting an average of 373 full-time jobs a year.
“Economically, we are setting the table for the next generation,” said Samuel Schooner, Chief Councillor of the Nuxalk Nation. “With the help of Coast Funds, we can be as creative as we want to be. We haven’t seen the full potential yet and the best work is yet to come. ”
Click below to download the report.
Building a Conservation Economy
