Press Release
September 29, 2003
Heiltsuk Nation and Province of British Columbia Congratulated by Conservation Group on signing of historic agreement for Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area
BELLA BELLA, B.C.: The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-BC Chapter (CPAWS-BC) congratulates the Heiltsuk Nation and the Province of British Columbia on the signing of the Cooperative Management Agreement for the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area on the Central Coast.
"We are very pleased to see BC Parks working with the Heiltsuk Nation to develop a cooperative management arrangement for Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area. Not only will this benefit the long term management of Hakai Luxvbalis, but it will also serve as an example of the critical role of First Nations in the management of marine protected areas," said Sabine Jessen, Conservation Director for CPAWS-BC. She went on to say that, "CPAWS looks forward to working with both parties to ensure that a management plan with strong conservation measures is developed to ensure the long term protection of the natural and cultural features of one of the most important protected areas on our coast."
Located in BC's Central Coast region, Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area encompasses a diversity of marine and terrestrial coastal environments that are home to a wide array of species. The offshore banks and waters surrounding the island archipelagos support kelp beds, grey and humpback whales, orcas and Pacific white-sided dolphins, Stellar sea lions, a variety of sea birds, including Brants, Rhinoceros Auklets and Sandhill Cranes, and a renowned salmon run in Hakai Pass. The Goose Group of islands is particularly significant as it is home to one of only two sea otter colonies on the coast, as well as many sea bird colonies.
Jessen noted that, "With over 70,000 hectares of marine waters found within its boundaries, the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area is the largest marine protected area on the BC coast. Together with over 50,000 hectares of land, the conservancy provides an opportunity to manage the land-sea interface in an integrated and wholistic way."
Given the importance of the Hakai Luxvbalis area to the Heiltsuk people, Jessen went on to note that, "Most importantly, we hope that this agreement will finally ensure that the rights, interests and concerns of the Heiltsuk Nation will be reflected in the future management of the area."
"However, successful implementation of this agreement will require that the Government of British Columbia provides adequate resources and staffing," noted Jessen. "We have seen difficulties with previous cooperative agreements when these have not been provided. Given the serious financial constraints on the Ministry, we hope that this will not be an impediment to the future success of the collaborative management of the Hakia Luxvbalis Conservancy Area."
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Contact:
Sabine Jessen
Conservation Director
CPAWS-BC
Office: 604-685-7445
Cell: 604-657-2813
CPAWS - British Columbia Chapter