Biological and Ecological Diversity

Topic Box from the 2009 Ninth Annual Benchmark Report

British Columbia's natural diversity, both in terms of species and ecosystems, is a distinct element in the province's unique economic and environmental heritage.

British Columbia's natural surroundings provide recreational activities for the province's residents and visitors and form the foundation of our active and healthy society.

The province's natural diversity has been the basis of most economic opportunities throughout the province's development, and continues to provide the foundation for numerous resource-based industries including forestry, mining, and tourism and recreation.

Finding a balance between an expanding population, job growth, improving standards of living and stewardship of natural surroundings is an important, but certainly not a simple, task.