Cumulative Effects Framework Guidance

A key role of the cumulative effects framework (CEF) is to provide natural resource decision-makers, planners and practitioners with best available information for the stewardship of B.C.’s lands and resources. The CEF program is creating guidance to support decision-makers, planners and practitioners with applying CEF outcomes in their work.

Guidance

Cumulative Effects Analysis Guidance for Qualified Environmental Professionals

Purpose: This guidance outlines how qualified environmental professionals (QEPs) can consider cumulative effects on environmental values and evaluate and mitigate how a proposed project may contribute to those effects. It is intended for use by QEPs who are preparing applications for land or resource use projects that are not subject to an Environmental Assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act and where analysis of cumulative effects on values is required.

• Cumulative Effects Analysis Guidance for Qualified Environmental Professionals (PDF, 938KB)

Guide to Using Cumulative Effects Framework Assessments in Support of Natural Resource Activities​

Purpose: These guides help users planning natural resource activities understand and apply B.C.’s Cumulative Effects Framework assessment results. They explain how to interpret current conditions, assess an activity’s potential contribution to risk, and identify actions to reduce cumulative effects.

• Aquatic Ecosystems (PDF, 3.9MB)
• Forest Biodiversity (PDF, 4.2MB)
• Grizzly Bear (PDF, 1.9MB)

Information bulletins

• Bulletin: Benchmarks in Cumulative Effects Framework Assessments – March 2026 (PDF, 807KB)
  • Purpose: To explain what benchmarks are, how they are used within the CEF, and how they differ from regulatory and ecological thresholds. It also outlines how to appropriately consider benchmarks in operational decision-making processes
• Bulletin: Relationship between the Cumulative Effects Framework and Environmental Assessment – July 2025 (PDF, 290KB)
  • Purpose: To assist proponents, environmental assessment (EA) practitioners, and other participants in natural resource decision-making to understand the relationship between provincial government-led cumulative effects assessments under the CEF and environmental assessments undertaken pursuant to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Act
• Bulletin: The Integrated Resource Management Context for the Cumulative Effects Framework – February 2017 (PDF, 700KB)
  • Purpose: To convey critical linkages between the CEF and government’s broader approach and toolkit for adaptive, integrated resource management that the CEF is intended to support