Environmental Stewardship -
listening to our elders, saving for our grandchildren
We are the only stewards of the natural environment. It's up to us. If we want keep our ecosystems alive and healthy, we need to get serious about it now.
According to the United Nation's 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, two-thirds of the direct benefits people obtain from biodiversity are currently being degraded or used unsustainably.
These "ecosystem services" include:
- providing materials such as food, fuels and fibres;
- regulating climate, disease outbreaks, wastes and pollination;
- supporting processes such as nutrient cycling and water purification; and,
- providing opportunities for aesthetic, recreational and spiritual use.
Fortunately every step we take to preserve our rural character and enhance and protect our magnificent natural wealth is going with the trend and will make this a more attractive place.
My Commitment
To press for an inventory of our ecological assets and how they are managing. To press for an inventory of poisonous and other invasive species from Hogweed and Poison Hemlock to Scotch Broom and American Bullfrogs with a comprehensive plan to eradicate them. This may not mean added taxes, there may be groups that wish to take some of this on. To work for continued assessment of and protection sensitive areas. To support the recommendations in the CVRD State of the Environment Report and any updates, including drinking water and watershed protection. To work towards Zero Waste To support the implementation of the Climate Action and Energy Plan, a new OCP and other adopted plans such as Biodiversity Plan and what comes to light as the best and highest use of the Municipal Forest Reserve. |
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