MOU to Address Water Governance in the Nicola Watershed

On March 23, the Nicola Valley’s five First Nation chiefs and the Province of BC signed a historic agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlines the parties’ commitment to work together in a government to government partnership to sustainably manage water resources within the Nicola Watershed. The shared vision will draw on both parties’ laws and governance systems and includes supporting the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP).

Planning and decision making about water will be informed by both indigenous knowledge and best available science. While the specific initiatives to be undertaken are yet to be jointly determined, the parties view this as an opportunity to test new legislative tools (such as water sustainability plans) to support unique area-based water management approaches as well as innovative co-governance arrangements.

The pilot is co-funded by the Province and the BC Freshwater Legacy. Compass has been supporting the funding partners in exploring co-governance opportunities and preparing for the pilot.

For the full press release, click here.

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