Toward a vision for Ecological Resilience in the Lower Fraser River
This session, Toward a vision for Ecological Resilience in the Lower Fraser River, session ID1438, is accepting abstracts until November 1st.
Along with the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance, Raincoast is chairing a traditional session at the upcoming Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference April 19-22, 2020 Vancouver Convention Centre Vancouver BC. The session, Toward a vision for Ecological Resilience in the Lower Fraser River, session ID1438, is accepting abstracts until November 1st.
Session description
This session will bring together Indigenous leaders, researchers and conservationists to share progress on collaborative initiatives for salmon habitat protection and ecological resilience and recovery in the Lower Fraser River. Presentations will explore how conservation and restoration initiatives proceed in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), issues of relevance across the Salish Sea.
Material overview
Focussing on the unique dynamics of the Lower Fraser river, contributors will offer stories, research updates and analysis to demonstrate key points that could advance the effectiveness of future conservation efforts in the Fraser and elsewhere including:
- How indigenous knowledge and law can be part of contemporary ecological governance (RELAW) and proposals for restoring indigenous governance;
- Indigenous priorities and approaches to climate adaptation and ecological resilience;
- Preliminary results from a priority threat management approach to support wild salmon conservation in the Lower Fraser river;
- Options for more sustainable funding and finance for habitat protection and restoration.
We have already identified potential speakers, including Dr Tara Martin, (UBC), Murray Ned and Dionne Busha (Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance), Deborah Carlson (West Coastal Environmental Law) and Ross Dixon (Raincoast Conservation Foundation). We will also actively seek additional proposals with a preference for those from local indigenous Nations.
Addressing the focal topic and making recommendations for action
The session will share innovative approaches, decision making tools, and methodologies to address systemic issues that have led to habitat loss in the Lower Fraser river. The focus is on methods and approaches that address Indigenous priorities, perspectives and participation in decision making.
Presenters will also discuss next steps in current projects inviting further opportunities for input from indigenous Nations, researchers, government agencies and the conservation community.
