MODULE A – DAY TWO – PARKSVILLE 2019 SYMPOSIUM: “In the RDN part of the program, delegates will contribute to the visioning of the next decade of Drinking Water and Watershed Protection in the Nanaimo region,” states Julie Pisani, DWWP Coordinator, Regional District of Nanaimo
Note to Reader:
Click on PARKSVILLE SYMPOSIUM AGENDA to download a package that elaborates on the presentation topics in each of the four modules that comprise the program on each symposium day. Parksville 2019 is a call to action. Read together, the set of abstracts create a seamless storyline that is designed to inform delegates so that they will know what to expect on April 3-4 when they convene in Parksville.
MODULE A: “Getting It Right”: Make Better Land Use Decisions
Module A comprises two presentations. The first, by Kim Stephens, sets the stage for Day Two. He will introduce the Primer on the Ecological Accounting Process (EAP) to introduce the concept of “worth”.
The second, by Julie Pisani, is the feature presentation and a consultation opportunity. In her hour-long segment, delegates will contribute to the visioning of the next decade of Drinking Water and Watershed Protection in the Nanaimo region.
Value the ‘Water Balance Services’ Provided by Nature
“The worth of a creekshed is a package of ecological services made possible by the hydrology. Looking through the ‘worth lens’ leads to a fundamental shift in philosophy regarding how to value natural assets. Focus on the investment of resources (time and money) as well as aspirations of motivated stakeholders for maintenance and management of ecological (water balance) services,” states Kim Stephens, Executive Director of the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia.
“The Primer on the Ecological Accounting Process (EAP) – A Methodology for Valuing the ‘Water Balance Services’ Provided by Nature is the seventh in a series of guidance documents that form the basis for knowledge-transfer via the Georgia Basin Inter-Regional Education Initiative (IREI). The foundation document for the series is Stormwater Planning: A Guidebook for British Columbia, released in 2002.
“The Ecological Accounting Process has the potential to be a catalyst for action by local governments. EAP is one of the twin pillars of Sustainable Watershed Systems, through Asset Management. In contrast to an economic rationale, EAP is underpinned by a simple strategy: approach the problem from a social point of view. What does the community think its ecological assets and services are worth?“
To Learn More:
Creating an Actionable Vision for the next 10 Years of Drinking Water and Watershed Protection
“Ten years ago, the RDN embarked on delivering a service never before established by a Regional District in BC. The Drinking Water and Watershed Protection (DWWP) function, approved by elector assent in 2008, has provided water-related education and outreach, water data collection, science and monitoring, and water policy advocacy and planning support, for the past decade with marked accomplishments and certain challenges,” states Julie Pisani, DWWP Coordinator, Regional District of Nanaimo.
“In 2019, the RDN is updating our Action Plan for DWWP to incorporate learnings from the implementation thus far, and integrate elements that will be the focus of an actionable vision for the next decade and more. Parksville 2019 is a ‘sharing & learning’ opportunity that will help inform the DWWP Action Plan update.
“The first decade of the Plan (2009-2018) built a strong foundation of public outreach and science. The focus moving into the next operational period is using awareness and data to inform water policy and planning. The desired outcome: get it right and make better land use decisions!”
A Truly Regional Function
“An important aspect of the DWWP program is that it is regional in nature, with a focus on the natural boundaries of watersheds and aquifers to frame program activities, rather than political boundaries,” emphasizes Julie Pisani. “All four member municipalities and all seven Electoral Areas are partners in this region-wide function, recognizing the water does not conform to jurisdictional lines. Protecting and planning for our water requires a high level of collaboration.”
To Learn More:
Download PARKSVILLE SYMPOSIUM AGENDA.
To read the consolidated story of all four modules on Day Two, click on RESTORATIVE LAND DEVELOPMENT: Parksville 2019 Symposium organizing committee releases the Detailed Agenda for Day Two (April 4) – “Getting It Right by Making Better Land Use Decisions”.
