Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers frequently asked questions about biodiversity and the Biodiversity Atlas. If you would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact us or visit our links page for other related sites.
Biologists use the term biodiversity to refer to life in all its forms and the habitats and natural processes that support life.

• What is biodiversity?
  
• Why is biodiversity important?
  
• What about biodiversity in British Columbia?
  
• What is the Biodiversity Atlas Project?
  
• Why is this project important?
  
• What is the scope of the project?
  
• How will this project help preserve British Columbia's biodiversity?
  
• Who is developing this Biodiversity Atlas?
  
• How is it funded?
  
• What is the Selkirk College Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC)?
  
• Will a Biodiversity Atlas be developed for the rest of the Columbia River Basin?
  
• How can I help conserve biodiversity?
  
• As a private landowner, what can I do to help conserve biodiversity?
  
• What is the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP)?
  
• How can I comment on the Biodiversity Atlas?

Answers for some of these FAQs have been reprinted with permission, from BRITISH COLUMBIA's Ministry of Environment publication Biodiversity in British Columbia.

What is biodiversity?

Biologists use the term biodiversity to refer to life in all its forms and the habitats and natural processes that support life. Biodiversity encompasses:

• Genetic diversity, meaning the genetic variation among individuals of the same species;


• Species diversity, meaning the number of different plants, animals, fungi, and simple organisms such as bacteria and protozoa; and


• Ecosystem diversity, which includes the variety of ecosystems and the different ways they function. Ecosystem diversity can include both the organisms and the interactions between them and their environment: for example, fire, climate, decay, and predator-prey relationships.

Why is biodiversity important?

The health of the planet depends on conserving biodiversity and sustaining the viability of ecosystems. Ecosystems support all forms of life, moderate climates, filter water and air, conserve soil and nutrients, and control pests. Species provide us with food, building materials, energy, and medicines. They also provide services free of charge such as pollination, waste assimilation, and distribution of seeds and nutrients.

Many commercially important breeds of plants and animals exist because of naturally occurring differences in species. Genetic diversity also enables us to breed higher-yield and disease-resistant plants and animals and allows the development or evolution of breeds and races that thrive under a variety of environmental conditions.

In addition, there are ethical concerns involved in making decisions that affect biological diversity. If all life forms have an intrinsic value, as many argue, we have a moral obligation to protect them and ensure that they survive because of their own intrinsic worth, as well as their value to future generations.

What about biodiversity in British Columbia?

Many scientists believe we are in a global 'biodiversity crisis.' They attribute the decline of biodiversity to the loss and degradation of habitats, the invasion of exotic species, over-exploitation of resources, and environmental shifts such as climate changes, pollution and increases in ultra-violet light, and the fragmentation of habitat into segments too small to maintain a full complement of species and processes.

Here are some issues with significant implications for biodiversity in British Columbia.

• We are losing species. At least four species of plants, three freshwater fish, one mammal, three birds, one reptile, one beetle and a hornwort have disappeared from British Columbia since the early 1900s. Of these species, five occurred nowhere else in the world and are now extinct.
  
• 103 species of vertebrates are on the Red List (meaning they are designated, or are being considered for designation, as 'endangered' or 'threatened') and another 97 are on the Blue List (meaning they are considered 'vulnerable').
  
• Recently compiled lists indicate that other species are also endangered, including butterflies, dragonflies and macro algae.
  
• Some 634 vascular plant species are rare, and of these, about 170 are candidates for threatened or endangered status.
  
• In heavily populated areas, such as the southwest coast and the southern interior, forest harvesting, agriculture, and invasions of exotic species have eliminated and are threatening many native species and ecosystems. Some ecosystems at high risk include grasslands, antelope brush steppe, old-growth forests, Garry oak meadows, wetlands, estuaries and salmon streams.

What is the Biodiversity Atlas Project?

The Biodiversity Atlas Project is a way of presenting information about the biodiversity of Columbia River Basin wildlife species and their habitats to the research community, resource managers, local decision-makers, the public and others. The Biodiversity Atlas addresses terrestrial – land-based – species and their habitats. It does not include fish.

The Biodiversity Atlas uses maps, facts, reports and pictures to tell the story of wildlife and their habitats in the East Kootenay region of the Columbia River Basin.

The Biodiversity Atlas assembles web-based geographic information systems (GIS) data into a dynamic interface that is based on interactive maps. In addition to the maps, this web site includes other information intended to increase awareness about biodiversity and the impact of human activity on wildlife and their habitats.

Additional information on this project can be found in the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) document "Columbia Basin Biodiversity Atlas: Phase 1 Final Report" available at www.fwcp.ca.

Why is this project important?

A science-based understanding of species and ecosystems is the foundation for successful conservation planning and management. However, the vast amount of information flowing from research and management activity is a challenge to navigate and often key reports or datasets are overlooked.

The goal of the Biodiversity Atlas is to build a system that uses maps, text, tables, and photos to provide a powerful interface for searching, discovering, and accessing information on species and their habitats that will ultimately lead to better conservation planning and decision making.

As a result of the Biodiversity Atlas Pilot Project in the East Kootenay, landowners and decision-makers now have access to information about species and habitats and will be able to include that information in their conservation planning in Canada's portion of the Columbia River Basin.

If we are to conserve biodiversity in British Columbia, land- and water-use decisions must be based on a sound understanding of British Columbia's ecosystems and processes.

What is the scope of the project?

The Biodiversity Atlas was developed on a pilot basis in the grasslands, forests and wetlands of British Columbia's East Kootenay region. The success of that pilot is now fuelling further development of the Biodiversity Atlas by the Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program and the Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre.

How will the Biodiversity Atlas help preserve British Columbia's biodiversity?

The information available in the Biodiversity Atlas, through its dynamic maps and data, will help protect British Columbia's biodiversity by providing important information to resource managers, groups and individuals pursuing conservation efforts in the Columbia Basin.

For example, acquiring land for conservation purposes is a primary tool to offset accelerating loss of habitat. Groups acquiring land for conservation purposes can now make decisions about what additional lands should be conserved and how best to manage land already acquired for conservation, based on the data now available through this project.

Private landowners will be better able to gauge the impact of their land management by considering their decisions in a broader context. Local governments will now be able to consider this information in their water and land-use planning decisions.

By using the interactive maps, you can 'zoom' to any area of interest and find out more about biodiversity.

Any individual, group or agency concerned about biodiversity – and protecting the rich and diverse species and habitats found in the Columbia Basin – can now access a range of data in one, on-line location.

Resource managers in Canada and the United States recognize that open, honest communication and effective information sharing are important foundations for resolving land and water use conflicts, and are essential to economic and environmental sustainability in the Columbia Basin.

Who is developing this Biodiversity Atlas?

A working group, comprised of the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) staff, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Ministries of Sustainable Resource Management, and Water, Land & Air Protection, Selkirk College, professional biologists, and web site developers was formed in 2001. This working group was asked to establish partnership agreements for data sharing, hosting and development costs, and to launch this web site-based Biodiversity Atlas.

In 2007, the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) entered into a new partnership with the Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC) to further develop the Biodiversity Atlas. A planning workshop was held in 2007 to set priorities and identify opportunities. The results of this workshop are available online.

How is it funded?

The Biodiversity Atlas Project is one of the many projects funded by the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP). The Web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) Interactive Mapping Database was first developed with the assistance of the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.

The new partnership between FWCP and Selkirk College has meant in-kind donations of hardware, software upgrades, and map hosting from the college, which are all key to developing the atlas.

More funding sources will be identified and pursued in order to develop the Biodiversity Atlas to its full potential. Contact us if you would like to fund this important project.

What is the Selkirk College Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC)?

The Selkirk Geospatial Research Centre (SGRC) is a leading-edge research centre specializing in mapping technologies to aid in solving critical issues pertaining to environmental and socio-economic problems. Our experienced and capable researchers apply the best technology to help you approach decisions with greater understanding.

While applied research is the heart of the SGRC, the same expertise and equipment offers excellent training capacity. Our courses provide training covering the breadth of geospatial technology and software used in research, industry and government organizations.

The people and technology required to address your applied spatial research needs are available at the SGRC. Step into partnership with us and discover a better way to make informed decisions in a complex world.

Will a Biodiversity Atlas be developed for the rest of the Columbia River Basin?

Subject to funding, and the level of interest, a Biodiversity Atlas may be prepared for other portions of the Columbia River Basin in Canada.

How can I help conserve biodiversity?

Protecting and conserving habitats is critical to ensuring biodiversity. Learn more about land covenants, conservation properties, and how you can help conserve biodiversity.
Contact federal or provincial agencies, or one of the many environmental non-government organizations actively involved in land conservation.

• Environment Canada
  
• British Columbia Ministry of Environment
  
• British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
• Nature Trust of British Columbia
  
• Nature Conservancy of Canada
  
• Land Conservancy of British Columbia
  
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
  
• Ducks Unlimited
  
• East Kootenay Conservation Program

You can help conserve biodiversity on your land by taking action today:

• Locate critical wildlife habitat for species at risk in your community.
• Don't disturb wildlife habitat, especially nesting and denning sites.
  
• Eliminate threats to habitats and maintain natural habitats.
  
• Install bird and bat houses to support wildlife.
  
• Get rid of introduced weeds on your property.
  
• Reduce the spread of weeds by staying on the road, instead of disturbing natural areas.
  
• Use native trees and plants when landscaping and don't disturb existing native plants.
  
• Don't drain water bodies on your property.
  
• Practice water conservation.
  
• Protect riparian (shoreline) and other sensitive areas by installing fences to minimize disturbances.
  
• Practice good livestock management techniques to maximize range conditions.
  
• Try letting some range go 'ungrazed' so you can determine range characteristics and then manage for them.
  
• Leave standing dead trees and mature forest stands so they can provide nest cavities for a range of species.
  
• Explore conservation covenants and the potential of leasing or donating your property to land trusts for conservation purposes.
  
• Try natural pest controls. These include: insecticidal soaps, dormant oil sprays, high-pressure water steam, barriers, collars, and others.
  
• Avoid using chemical products that can pollute our waterways and ecosystems.
  
• Safely dispose of any chemicals you use.
  
• Consider your pets' role in biodiversity. Is your cat killing sensitive bird species?
  
• Reduce emissions by driving less.
  
• Practice the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recyle.
  
• Support local initiatives to protect biodiversity in your community.
  
• Learn more about biodiversity and the natural environment you live in. Share that knowledge with others.
• Learn more about land covenants.

As a private landowner, what can I do to help conserve biodiversity?

As a private landowner there are a number of things you can do to help conserve biodiversity.

If you live in the East Kootenay, contact the East Kootenay Conservation Program at www.ekcp.ca or 250-342-3655 to learn more about conservation efforts in your area.

• Locate critical wildlife habitat for species at risk in your community.
• Don't disturb wildlife habitat, especially nesting and denning sites.
  
• Eliminate threats to habitats and maintain natural habitats.
  
• Install bird and bat houses to support wildlife.
  
• Get rid of introduced weeds on your property.
  
• Reduce the spread of weeds by staying on the road, instead of disturbing natural areas.
  
• Use native trees and plants when landscaping and don't disturb existing native plants.
  
• Don't drain water bodies on your property.
  
• Practice water conservation.
  
• Protect riparian (shoreline) and other sensitive areas by installing fences to minimize disturbances.
  
• Practice good livestock management techniques to maximize range conditions.
  
• Try letting some range go 'ungrazed' so you can determine range characteristics and then manage for them.
  
• Leave standing dead trees and mature forest stands so they can provide nest cavities for a range of species.
  
• Explore conservation covenants and the potential of leasing or donating your property to land trusts for conservation purposes.
  
• Try natural pest controls. These include: insecticidal soaps, dormant oil sprays, high-pressure water steam, barriers, collars, and others.
  
• Avoid using chemical products that can pollute our waterways and ecosystems.
  
• Safely dispose of any chemicals you use.
  
• Consider your pets' role in biodiversity. Is your cat killing sensitive bird species?
  
• Reduce emissions by driving less.
  
• Practice the 3Rs – reduce, reuse and recyle.
  
• Support local initiatives to protect biodiversity in your community.
  
• Learn more about biodiversity and the natural environment you live in. Share that knowledge with others.
• Learn more about land covenants.

What is the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP)?

The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is a joint initiative between BC Hydro, the British Columbia Government (Ministry of Environment) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations affected by construction of BC Hydro dams in Canada's portion of the Columbia Basin.

The Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program (FWCP) is the primary funder of the Biodiversity Atlas. It's geographic area of responsibility includes the part of the Columbia River Basin that drains into the main stem of the river before it crosses the border into the United States. As a result, the Okanagan and Flathead Rivers are not part of the FWCP area, as they join the Columbia River south of the border. On the other hand, part of the upper Fraser River Basin, the Robson Valley, is included within the study area as similar wildlife habitat is available in the Robson Valley compared to what was flooded.

How can I comment on the Biodiversity Atlas?

We would love your feedback on the current Biodiversity Atlas as well as your ideas on developing the Atlas further. Please take a minute to answer our survey survey

Follow the development of the Biodiversity Atlas.

You may also contact us directly.