Sunshine Coast Conservation Association
We Are the SCCA
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.
Our Goals
We endeavour to conserve lands and marine areas – from Howe Sound to Bute Inlet – in their natural states. To protect ecological values and restore biodiversity throughout the Sunshine Coast Natural Resource District.
What We Do
We engage in research, education, outreach, and advocacy activities, holding decision makers to account and enlisting government to protect ecosystems and species. We also assist members, groups and allies to achieved shared objectives.
What's New?
Protecting the Environment with Official Community Plans
The Official Community Plans (OCP) for the lower Sunshine Coast are currently in the process of being updated. OCP’s are visionary bylaws used by local governments as the basis for future land use decisions. Make sure you sign up for the SCCA newsletter as we will be sharing updates on the OCP renewal process over the coming months.
Coastal Flood Mapping Project Underway
The Sunshine Coast Regional District, in partnership with local governments, has launched the Coastal Flood Mapping Project. An important project which aims to tackle the challenges posed by coastal flooding, especially in light of rising sea levels and increased storm activity.
Make a Difference Today!
Stay connected with the Coast community!
Are you passionate about protecting our beautiful coast? Sign up for our emails to stay informed about the latest local projects, environmental initiatives, and important updates that matter to YOU.
Our emails are easy to read, inspiring, and a perfect way to stay in the loop on the issues shaping our home.
Apply for Sechelt’s APC
We encourage our supporters to consider applying for the Advisory Planning Commission position with the District of Sechelt.
By joining the APC, you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our community and ensuring that conservation remains a priority in local planning efforts.
Support Local Conservation
Donations fund our research and advocacy activities.
Marbled Murrelets
Legal Victory for the Marbled Murrelet
The SCCA is celebrating a legal victory that could help the threatened Marbled Murrelet - the bird shown in our logo.
In the fall of 2023, Ecojustice lawyers were in Federal Court to advocate for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats across Canada. They were acting on behalf of Sierra Club BC and Wilderness Committee.
These lawyers argued that a “protection statement” - issued by federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault in 2022 - too narrowly interpreted the Species at Risk Act, unlawfully limiting the minister's duties to protect at-risk bird habitat by protecting only the nests and not the wider habitat which the birds need to survive and recover.
In Feb 2024, The Chief Justice set aside the “protection statement” and sent it back to Minister Guilbeault for reconsideration with the Court’s reasons.
We hope this decision will result in the federal government taking timely action to protect critical habitat.
Biodiversity Hero
Paul Harris Jones
Marbled Murrelet Protector
Paul Jones has had a special relationship with birds ever since his childhood days in India. He has been a leader in the local campaign to protect marbled murrelets.
In 1993 Paul's team discovered an active nest in the Caren Range, the oldest closed-canopy temperate rain forest in Canada. Further sightings led to the creation of Spipiyus Provincial Park. Spipiyus is the shíshálh name for the murrelets, which are revered in many coastal First Nations communities.
Old-growth logging, climate change and other factors continue to put the survival of the species at risk. Paul continues to advocate for the murrelets through a proposed Jervis Inlet Biosphere Conservation Area.
(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.
This allows property owners to secure natural values for biodiversity, natural asset management, and enjoyment of nature. Financial benefits may include tax receipts, reduced land value and property taxes. Conservation organizations agree to monitor the land and ensure that the intentions and objectives of a covenant are maintained.
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
