Together for Wildlife - Goal 2
Last updated on December 5, 2023Data, information, and knowledge drive better decisions
We will make new investments in biological, social, cultural and economic data collection.
The right data, information, and knowledge are essential for successful wildlife stewardship. Acquiring and sharing the right data, information, and knowledge will require that our data and knowledge systems be modernized in collaboration with Indigenous governments, local governments, resource industries, stakeholders, non-government organizations, and the public.
Under the strategy, we will make new investments in biological, social, and economic data collection, cumulative effects assessments, monitoring, innovative population modelling, and information management systems.
These tools, processes, and systems will improve the availability, accessibility, and reliability of wildlife stewardship data for all users. This renewed approach will better inform resource stewardship decisions and will support the relationships and structures that enable investments from other organizations and partners.
We commit to the following Actions 4-7 to achieve Goal 2
Action 4 - Expand biological, social, and economic data and information
We will expand biological, social, and economic data and information. For example, we will fill critical gaps in wildlife monitoring and inventory, develop wildlife population and habitat supply models, and better understand the effects of climate change on wildlife. We will ensure consistent standards are followed to collect and analyze this information.
Action 4 - work completed in 2020-2021
- Delivered priority wildlife monitoring, inventory and research projects across the province
- Posted Towards a Big Game Inventory and Monitoring Strategy for British Columbia (PDF, 3.3MB)
Action 4 - work underway/planned for 2021-2022
- Publicly report out on project outcomes
- Input data into provincial systems
- Identify social/economic data and info gaps
- Collaboratively identify priorities and develop multi-year monitoring/inventory plans
- Continue to deliver priority projects
Action 5 - Support wildlife research
We will support priority research for wildlife stewardship through contributions to post-secondary institutions. These contributions will leverage other sources of funding and build stronger partnerships between independent and government researchers, and managers. We will broadly share the results of this research with British Columbians.
Action 5 - work completed in 2020-2021
- Initiated a contract to determine the best approach to deliver this action
- Provided financial support for current wildlife research chairs (UVic and UNBC)
- Gathered information through discussions with internal and external research programs to support alignment
Action 5 - work completed in 2021-2022
- Contract to determine the approach(es) to deliver this action completed
- Final report is available: A New Vision for Wildlife Science in British Columbia (PDF, 2.6MB)
Action 5 - work underway/planned for 2022-2023
- Deliver a student research grant call for proposals through the Interior University Research Coalition
- Work with the Interior University Research Coalition and engage with First Nations, stakeholders and staff to evaluate report recommendations; and propose the best approach(es) to deliver this action
- Implement selected approach(es) to deliver the action
Action 6 - Foster citizen science
We will develop a citizen science framework to provide new opportunities for British Columbians to partner in wildlife stewardship data collection and monitoring. We will build on existing citizen science initiatives in British Columbia and examples from other jurisdictions and use this information to support decision-making.
Action 6 - work completed in 2020-2021
- Supported UVic research
- Continued discussions with internal and external partners on citizen science
- Delivered citizen science projects in regions
Action 6 - work completed in 2022-2023
Action 7 - Ensure wildlife and habitat data are accessible, reliable and integrated
We will ensure wildlife and habitat data are accessible to everyone, are reliable and integrated, and include wildlife harvest statistics, wildlife inventory and monitoring data, and research findings. We will complete the ongoing Fish and Wildlife Data and Licensing Transformation project and collaborate on other initiatives, such as the Species and Ecosystems Information System Modernization project, to consolidate, replace, or enhance outdated information systems for wildlife and ecosystems.
Action 7 - work completed in 2020-2021
- Developing a new fish, wildlife and habitat information system (BioHub, led by ENV)
- Continued to implement the Fish and Wildlife Data and Licensing Transformation project, focusing on trapping and compulsory inspection/reporting
- Posted Big Game Harvest statistics
Action 7 - work underway/planned for 2021-2022
- Continue to align with and support development of a new fish, wildlife and habitat information system
- Continue to implement the Fish and Wildlife Data and Licensing Transformation project
- Create easy to understand visual displays of the Big Game Harvest statistics (e.g., shiny apps)