By Veronica Beltran

caribou protection

Government implements interim moratorium to help protect caribou

Jun 20, 2019 | 10:02 AM

BRITISH COLUMBIA–The government is implementing an interim moratorium on new resource developments in parts of northeastern British Columbia.

The interim moratorium, which is a temporary suspension of legal action said to last until June 2021 would help provide jobs and support workers while engaging with affected communities and industries in long-term caribou protection strategies.

A report on caribou recovery, the Lekstrom report, was announced today.

“Everyone in the Peace region agrees that we need to recover our caribou herds and protect local jobs. Regrettably, this issue has divided communities and provoked sentiments that have no place in BC. The only way we will make progress is by working together. We must listen and work collaboratively to find the best solution.”–Premier John Horgan

Courtesy of Government of BC

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The report made 14 recommendations, including the interim moratorium. Signing the Southern Mountain Bilateral Conservation (Section 11) was also mentioned, the agreement would establish framework for Canada and BC to work collaboratively with Indigenous Nations, local governments, industry and communities to develop caribou management plans for southern mountain caribou.

“We are taking these actions because we want to protect the caribou herds while limiting potential economic impacts. This allows us to look after the interests of workers and communities as we take real action to recover the herds.” –Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

Caribou numbers in the central group of the southern mountain caribou population have faced serious declines in the past 20 years. The government says preventing high-impact forestry and mining activities is required while public engagement, Indigenous consultation and negotiations on a long-term caribou management strategy are underway.