Stewardship Role of Proponents
While the Ministry of Environment (MOE) takes a leading role in conserving B.C.’s
natural resources, species, and habitats, all British Columbians
have a role in environmental protection and resource stewardship.
Stewardship of natural resources is key to maintaining and restoring
the province’s natural diversity. A stewardship approach
involves all British Columbians taking responsibility for the
well-being of the environment by acting to restore or protect
a healthy environment.
The Ministry is actively pursuing opportunities for sharing
the responsibility of environmental stewardship. MOE looks to
establish vital partnerships to protect the environment and the
health of all British Columbians. MOE is developing partnerships
with governments, First Nations, communities, academic institutions,
industries, volunteer organizations, and citizens. The involvement
of these partners in the shared environmental stewardship of
Omineca region resources is essential because of their local
knowledge, resources and expertise. The environment will benefit
as a result of an increased level of responsible environmental
stewardship ethics, immediate and long-term improvements to environmental
health and an increased awareness of ecosystem needs among the
partners.
Why BMP's?
Guidelines and Best Management Practices (BMPs) are science-based
recommendations, which should allow the client to meet the required
standards or achieve the desired objectives.
BMP and Guideline documents exist to help you act as a steward
of the environment. The information in these documents provide
advice and information to help ensure that proposed development
activities are planned and carried out in a manner that considers
the consequences to environmental values.
BMPs and Guideline Documents
BMPs and Guideline Documents can have a provincial and/or regional
context:
- Provincial documents
apply to the entire province but may contain region specific sections.
- Regional
documents have been developed for a specific purpose
for the Omineca region and may not be applicable to other
regions.
These documents exist to help you act as a good steward of the
environment. The information you will find in this document will
help to ensure that your proposed development activities are
planned and carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner.
These guidelines are not legally binding, and proponents will
need to ensure they comply with the legislation, regulations,
and policies that apply to your activity. By understanding the
standards your activities must meet, you can choose an appropriate
set of best practices to help you carry out your activities to
achieve the required standards.
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