Why Protect the Islands?
Why are the ecosystems of the Islands Trust Area (islands of the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound) so important? What drives more than a dozen conservation agencies to focus their efforts on protecting this piece of British Columbia? |
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Oasis of Life
With its mild climate and variety of landscapes, the islands and waters of the Islands Trust Area hold a rich diversity of life. From wildflowers on dry hilltop meadows to ferns in lush forests to eelgrass beds in calm bays, the biodiversity of the islands makes the region globally significant. |
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Last Stronghold
The Islands Trust Area acts as a stronghold for more than 100 species at risk of extinction. Containing a unique mix of plants and animals found no where else in the world, the ecosystems of the islands are classified as globally imperiled. These rare ecosystems, like the Garry oak meadows with their brilliant arrays of spring wildflowers, showcase the wild beauty the islands are known for. Also, millions of migratory birds depend on the islands’ undisturbed shorelines, lakes and marshes for wintering and stopover areas along the Pacific Flyway. |
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Eco "Support" System for Islanders
Though we often take it for granted, people depend on natural ecosystems to survive. Ecosystems provide clean air and water, flood control, pollination, and pest control. Living on islands, people directly experience our reliance on healthy ecosystems to sustain life. No amount of money or technology can replace the services provided to human communities by healthy forests, lakes, creeks and aquifers.
The natural environment of the Islands Trust Area draws thousands of visitors each year. Island economies are heavily tourism-dependent. Maintaining this economy means conserving the natural ecosystems that make the islands so beautiful.
Under Pressure
Centered in British Columbia’s most densely populated region, the Islands Trust Area attracts more new residents and visitors each year. Increasing development threatens to overwhelm the islands’ fragile ecosystems. Development can destroy and fragment natural habitat, disturb sensitive species such as nesting birds, and pollute the air, water and soil.
As of 2010, 15% of the Islands Trust area had been developed. Despite this, most islands in the Islands Trust Area still have considerable natural spaces to support biodiversity. By making informed land use decisions and preserving natural areas today, island communities should be able to maintain ecosystems and even regain lost species.
Biodiversity in the islands is also under pressure from invasive species and climate change. Island ecosystems need to be healthy and resilient to be able to adapt to the new conditions these threats bring to the region.
Regional Conservation Plan
The ecological importance of the Islands Trust Area and the threats this region faces were incorporated into the Islands Trust Fund’s analysis and prioritization of natural areas in need of conservation. More information can be found in the Islands Trust Fund’s Regional Conservation Plan.
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