Sunshine Coast Conservation Association
We Are the SCCA
Our Goals
We endeavour to protect lands and waters – from Howe Sound to Bute Inlet – in their natural states. To conserve and restore biodiversity throughout the Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District.
Who We Are
We're an association of individuals and groups dedicated to protecting biodiversity on the Sunshine Coast for all time. Our work is carried out by a small paid team and dozens of volunteers.
What We Do
We develop and lead transformative conservation campaigns to protect watersheds, ecosystems, and species through research, education, alliance building, and advocacy. We support and empower community members, partner groups, and allies, and hold decision-makers accountable.
What's New?
Save the Date for the Ocean Festival!
The SCCA is busy putting together our sixth annual Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival. We hope you will save the dates for some of our key events, including the film festival launch on Sunday, June 1st; lunch hour NEMO Talks weekdays from June 2-6, and our Word Oceans Day Celebration on Sunday, June 8th at Mission Point Park.
How Should Public Lands be Used?
Phase 2 of the shíshálh Nation-BC Land Use Plan is now underway. This is a rare and important opportunity to influence how lands and waters are managed on the Sunshine Coast.
You'll have a chance to weigh in on questions like "What is more important to you: protecting biodiversity and ecosystems or ensuring recreational access?"
Make a Difference Today!
Send a Postcard to Government
Get involved in this creative initiative by BC Climate Emergency Campaign! Each postcard is prepaid and pre-addressed to a Canadian policymaker, and calls out the fossil fuel industry’s role in the climate crisis. You can print and mail these postcards or send them digitally.
Let's help government to make the connection between fossil fuels and forest fires by sending some of these postcards.
SCCA AGM POSTPONED
The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 14, 2025, has been postponed. More details to come.
Not a member yet? Become a member today so you can vote and have your voice heard!
Support Local Conservation
Donations fund our research and advocacy activities.
2025 Ocean Festival
Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival
In celebration of United Nations World Ocean Day, the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association is thrilled to announce our 6th annual Sunshine Coast Ocean Festival in collaboration with RhizomeUP! Media.
This year, the festival will run from June 1 to June 8, 2025, offering a week-long celebration of the ocean’s beauty, diversity, and vital connection to all life on Earth. Whether you’re a lifelong ocean lover or curious to learn more, we invite you to join us!
For updates on the festival in the lead-up to World Ocean Day make sure you’re signed up for our emails.
Biodiversity Hero
Pat Demeester
Native Trout Advocate
Pat has been a tireless advocate for the vulnerable coastal cutthroat trout, a blue-listed species that serves as an indicator of marine ecosystem health.
For over twenty years, Pat documented violations at the Lois Lake fish farm, where escaped genetically modified fish threatened the native trout population. His persistence led to the farm's closure and a landmark court victory in 2024.
Today, Pat continues his work protecting wild trout and char populations from Jervis Inlet to Phillips Arm, while contributing to vital research and local fishing regulations.
(Know a biodiversity hero who deserves to be recognized here? Contact us!)
Private Land Protection
Protecting Biodiversity on the Sunshine Coast
A conservation covenant is a voluntary, legal agreement between a landowner and a conservation organization where the landowner promises to protect ecological values on the land. Covenant agreements are attached to the property title and stay with the land forever, regardless of who owns it.
As a registered Land Trust, the SCCA partners in holding and developing conservation covenants for Cliff Gilker Park, Mt Artaban Nature Reserve, Long Bay Nature Reserve and Brigade Bay Bluffs Nature Reserve on Gambier Island, Sandy Beach on Keats Island, Rainfrog Sanctuary in Roberts Creek and Gospel Rock in Gibsons.
Are you passionate about biodiversity?
Volunteer with Us!
There are many ways you can leave your mark.
We gratefully acknowledge support from
