Ministry of Environment and Parks (British Columbia)
The Ministry of Environment and Parks (often shortened to the Ministry of Environment or MoE) is a ministry of the government of British Columbia responsible for the stewardship of British Columbia's environment and natural resources. The Ministry's responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including:
- Environmental Protection: Developing and enforcing environmental regulations, managing pollution, and addressing climate change.
- Resource Management: Overseeing the sustainable management of natural resources such as water, land, air and biodiversity.
- Parks and Protected Areas: Administering and managing provincial parks, recreation areas, conservancies, and ecological reserves, ensuring their conservation and accessibility.
- Wildlife Management: Protecting and managing wildlife populations and their habitats.
- Climate Action: Implementing policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
- Environmental Assessment: Reviewing and assessing the environmental impacts of proposed projects.
- Compliance and Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations through inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions.
The Ministry works with other government agencies, Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and the public to achieve its goals. It plays a critical role in balancing economic development with environmental protection and ensuring the long-term sustainability of British Columbia's natural heritage. The Ministry's mandate is guided by various legislation, including the Environmental Management Act, the Park Act, and the Wildlife Act. The Minister of Environment and Parks is the cabinet minister responsible for the Ministry.