Make the Salish Sea a World Heritage Site

This is a legacy moment for the Salish Sea, and for all of us who live by the shores of this important, biodiverse and world-class inner ocean. Right now, we have a chance to protect it as a World Heritage Site, and to set development plans in place so our West Coast inheritance becomes the model for 21st-century marine initiatives everywhere.

And there are a lot of marine protected areas to come. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to protect five per cent of Canada’s coast by 2017 and 10 per cent by 2020. U.S. President Barack Obama has already set the pace this past month in Hawaii and the Atlantic. Add to this commitments coming out of Washington, D.C.’s recent Our Ocean Conference.

Many sea-reliant countries are worried, calling for increased ocean restoration and protection measures in light of climate change and disturbing news on the decline of the health and productivity of the oceans we increasingly depend upon.

This week’s visit by the royal couple has confirmed the importance of protecting nature and our ecosystems as the foundation for our society’s prosperity and progress.

Remarks by Prince William, Premier Christy Clark and First Nations expressing pride in recognizing seven per cent the province, the Great Bear Rainforest, as a “gift to the world,” firmly establish what we have all suspected for a long time — we live in a place that is the envy of everyone. It’s our responsibility to do all we can to keep it healthy and thriving for future generations.

Here in the backyard of eight million west coasters, Americans and Canadians alike, is the Salish Sea, a maritime home to 3,000 species, many unique. Somehow, we have overlooked the historical, cultural and natural significance embodied in this worldclass inheritance.

The Salish Sea is the ocean and marine equivalent of the Great Bear Rainforest. It deserves to be similarly recognized and protected. Designating it as a World Heritage Site will boost our economy, lay the foundation for a better West Coast quality of life, and right the wrongs of our ancestors.

In August, Trudeau invited all Canadians to submit applications to have UNESCO consider places of “outstanding universal value” as World Heritage Sites. Submissions are due as 2017 begins. It’s also Canada’s turn to step up to the plate and protect our coastlines, and it’s Canada’s 150th birthday — an exceptional opportunity lies before us.

Canada and the U.S. have a major stake in working together for the health and restoration of the Salish Sea. It’s time for a serious reconciliation and healing with First Nations. We can learn a lot from the 5,000 years that First Nations lived sustainably along these shores.

We should adapt the best comanagement practices of the state of Washington, the cogovernance measures of B.C’s Islands Trust, and respect aboriginal rights and title. It’s the right thing to do, and all our long-term interests will be furthered.

It is time to commit, to stand strong and confident in our ability to work together, and to further our wish to prosper together. First Nations, many of whom this sea is named after and honours, and non-natives can work together to define a vision and guiding principles for the future of the Salish Sea.

Recognition of the Salish Sea as a World Heritage Site will benefit us all, and be a significant “gift to the world.” It’s a win-win for many, many reasons.

We can embrace our legacy, our heritage and our place in a world that’s ready to address a future that balances environmental, cultural and economic needs. And we can transcend the difficulties that divide while protecting the beauty and wonders of a world that has been gifted to us all, every one.

This we can do, beginning here with a Salish Sea World Heritage Site.