Biodiversity Loss and Climate Change are interconnected crises that need integrated approaches for planning and action.  Biodiversity and nature-based solutions (NbS) are also important climate solutions.

The City of Colwood is planning for increased biodiversity protection aligned with climate action.  Our region is rich in biodiversity, but also has some of the rarest ecosystems in Canada – including many rare and threatened species.  Learn more about biodiversity in our region and how you can take action: CRD Biodiversity at our Doorstep.

One of Colwood’s best locations to enjoy and learn about biodiversity is at the Esquimalt Lagoon, which is a Federal Migratory Bird Sanctuary: https://www.crd.bc.ca/ELSI.  Ecosystems at Esquimalt Lagoon, such as salt marsh ecosystems, store and sequester large amounts of carbon and provide many other ecosystem services.

“Biological diversity means the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems".  - 1992 International Convention on Biological Diversity

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) involves working with nature to address societal challenges. NbS is an umbrella term for different approaches that protect, sustainability manage and restore nature in ways that also increases human well-being and provides biodiversity benefits. Examples of NbS approaches:

  • Green infrastructure/ natural infrastructure
  • Ecosystem protection and restoration
  • Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (EcoDRR)
  • Climate Adaptation Services

Following NbS principles and guidelines is important for effective practices, increasing co-benefits and reducing negative consequences.  Learn more about NbS from this IUCN Guidebook and about Canada’s nature-based climate solutions.

Biodiversity & NbS-related Initiatives in Colwood include: