The 2022-2024 Wetlands Workforce is made possible with the support of the following funders:
The Wetlands Workforce project is owned and operated by the B.C. Wildlife Federation. This project is undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada. Ce projet est réalisé avec l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
Where We Started in 2021
The B.C. Wildlife Federation’s Wetlands Workforce project began as a collaboration with conservation organizations and First Nations across British Columbia in 2021.
In 2021, this project received support through the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, which was delivered by the Real Estate Foundation of BC and Watersheds BC, with financial support from the Province of British Columbia as part of its $10-billion COVID-19 response.
The Healthy Watersheds Initiative was a $27-million program, supported by the Province of B.C. to stimulate British Columbia’s economic recovery through investments in community-driven watershed conservation and restoration projects. Through this program, the Real Estate Foundation of BC is lead the administration of funding for this program and working in partnership with Watersheds BC to support the implementation of more than 60 watershed security projects in communities across the Province.
The Province of BC
In 2021, the Province of B.C. invested $37 million (including $27 million through the Healthy Watersheds Initiative) for projects that support healthy watersheds, species, and ecosystems, and create new jobs in areas that are critical to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change. This funding is part of the Province’s $10-billion COVID-19 response to help people in hard-hit industries.
The Real Estate Foundation of BC
The Real Estate Foundation of BC is a philanthropic organization that works to advance sustainable land use and real estate practices in British Columbia. Since 1988, the REFBC has granted more than $90 million for research, education, and policy projects that strengthen BC communities and protect our land and water.
Watersheds BC
Watersheds BC was launched in 2020 to support water leaders to improve decision-making for their home waters by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to engage effectively in their watershed. WBC supports water leaders across many organizations including First Nation communities and governments, local government staff, watershed boards and roundtables, provincial government staff, and other community champions.
Learn more about the funder and partner history of the Wetlands Workforce here: