Inside Green Shores Local Government Working Group
A collaborative group that brings nature-based shoreline solutions to local communities
Green Shores® is a program that provides guidance for climate change adaptation and a nature-based framework for shoreline protection in coastal communities. While the guidance is key, communities also need support at the local level.
In 2016, a Green Shores Local Government Working Group was established by the Stewardship Centre for BC to enhance the capacity of local government staff to apply Green Shores in shoreline planning and demonstration projects, providing resources and support in planning and community engagement processes.
1. What is the Local Government Working Group?
In BC, the Local Government Working Group (LGWG) is a collaboration of local government members from Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland areas. The working group members gain support and resources that help implement Green Shores nature-based solutions in their communities through local action planning, community education and engagement, capacity building, research, and evaluation.
The Local Government Working Group in British Columbia. Photo: Stewardship Centre for BC.
2. Who Are the Members of the LGWG?
Currently, there are ten active members in BC, consisting of government staff, collectively taking action to apply Green Shores in their communities. As one of our local government members, you have the opportunity to engage with like-minded people working towards implementing nature-based solutions within permitting processes, policies and bylaws. A Local Government Working Group is currently being established in Nova Scotia.
3. Purpose of the LGWG
The goal of the Local Government Working Group is to enable local government staff and elected officials to apply Green Shores nature-based solutions in shoreline planning and protection work. This work is essential in light of climate change adaptation and the need to integrate nature-based solutions with other key planning and community engagement processes.
4. Why Join the LGWG?
Joining the LGWG provides an opportunity to engage with forward-thinking people and work together to protect communities and coastlines from climate change impacts.
By collaborating with other local government members in different areas, you can share experiences leading to new innovative approaches to shoreline management. Through this collaboration, local governments can find new opportunities to embed nature-based solutions in policies and establish long-term protection using science-based programs.
With Green Shores specifically, there is an extensive array of resources that assist in getting sites Green Shore certified.
5. How to Get Involved?
Visit Green Shores Local Government Working Group pages to find more information and join the group.
