Biodiversity Conservation - the BIEAP and FREMP Website

Executive Summary
In April 2009, the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy
Partnership (BCSP) hosted a Forum to launch the report
Strategic Directions for Biodiversity Conservation in the
Metro Vancouver Region. Almost ninety professionals
with an interest in biodiversity attended the Forum.
Participants were arranged into breakout groups to
review and discuss the report’s ten Strategic Directions
and Opportunities for Action.
Numerous waterbirds use the protected waters of
Burrard Inlet for feeding during winter. Western grebes
and Barrow’s goldeneye winter there in globally significant
numbers, and in particular congregate in the English Bay-
First Narrows area (picture). In the 1990’s it was reported
a total population of around 32,000 birds representing 36
species that were regular visitors or residents of the inner
harbour. However in recent years, these numbers have
declined especially in fish eating species such as gulls,
grebes and loons.
Strategic Directions for Biodiversity Conservation in the Metro Vancouver Region | Forum Proceedings: Key Points and Potential Action Steps
This document provides a summary of participants’
comments and discusses background research and
potential actions to support biodiversity conservation in
the region. In general, the participants supported the
strategic directions identified in the report. Participants
also provided information about local activities and
challenges, and made suggestions for better biodiversity
protection. In addition to comments about specific
biodiversity initiatives, the need for increased agency
collaboration, education and training, legislation and
municipal action was emphasized.
1