Statement of Values

The EKCP is a partnership of organizations who recognize the values of working together towards common goals. Two documents that provide general governance to the partners are the "Statement of Values" and "What It Means To Be A Partner".

The statement of values is between all partner organizations affiliated with the East Kootenay Conservation Program. It articulates the common vision, mandate, goals and responsibilities of the partnership.

The Vision
The EKCP vision is to have landscapes in the Kootenays that sustain naturally functioning ecosystems that can in turn support economic and social well being.  We envision vibrant communities that demonstrate the principles of environmental stewardship for future generations.

The Mandate
The EKCP mandate is to coordinate and facilitate conservation efforts on private land, and to generate the support and resources needed to maintain this effort.

The Goals

• To increase the rate of private land conservation.
• To increase the level of landowner stewardship.
• To improve access to financial and technical resources necessary for projects
  implementation.
• To create mechanisms to improve communication and accountability within the partnership.
   

The East Kootenay
The East Kootenay region is an area of uncommon species richness where the Elk Valley and Rocky Mountain Trench are the identifying landforms. These features are critical for many species, and are key to the long-term movement of species as they adapt to changing environmental conditions. This area is also home to an increasing number of people drawn by the superb quality of life -- the beauty of the landscape, the mild climate, and a richness of resources.

A Sense of Urgency
We cannot take the future ecological health of the East Kootenay for granted. The area’s economic wealth has long been based on its abundant natural resources and the presence of human influences on the East Kootenay ecosystems is apparent. The valley bottoms, which are almost entirely privately held, are critical to many species, and are not fully represented in long-term conservation planning.

The Opportunity
We have the opportunity today for action as unique as the ecosystem itself. All the necessary factors for a successful conservation program are in place. Governments, non-government organizations, industry, community groups and individuals are aware of the many challenges to the natural system. We have the desire to conserve this special place and the commitment to cooperation and partnership is stronger than ever.

Our Shared Responsibility
We are focusing the energies and efforts of the partners so that each can make a distinctive yet coordinated contribution toward addressing the environmental challenges facing the natural system. We will engage the considerable skills, energy and resources of governments, community groups, educators, youth, workers, industry and business. This will ensure an open and transparent process of establishing priorities, identifying opportunities for effective cooperative action, and measuring progress.

We will:

• Work closely with representatives of the First Nations of the East Kootenay so that their special knowledge and unique perspective can contribute to our common efforts.
• Build on the many worthwhile conservation activities and excellent working relationships that have been established in the area.
• Establish common priorities, as a means of better coordinating many of the initiatives already underway and have provided a framework for collaboration on future initiatives.
• Monitor our progress, realizing that new information may indicate the need to adopt new strategies.
• Put into practice this Statement of Values. The EKCP Steering Committee will develop Action Plans to secure and manage key habitats, support and encourage sustainable land use practices and decisions consider long term planning issues including recovery plans for species at risk and ecosystem restoration.
• Meet on an annual basis to review progress under this Statement of Values and provide direction on future priorities. In working together towards the goals set out in this Statement of Values, we need and welcome the ideas and efforts of all residents and organizations concerned about the future of their special place, the East Kootenay.