Biodiversity Protection

Protecting and enhancing regional biodiversity and ecological assets will:

  •  help build climate resiliency, 
  • improve watershed and harbour health, 
  • support food security and 
  • enhance the livability, sustainability and resilience of the region through environmental stewardship. 

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the term used for the incredible variety of life on Earth – from the smallest microbes to the coastal rainforests. Biodiversity includes:

  • Genetic diversity: the variation in genetic characteristics of a species
  • Species diversity: the number and types of different species that inhabit an area or ecosystem
  • Ecosystem diversity: the variety of habitat types or ecosystems found within a landscape

Of all the provinces, BC has the most biodiversity in Canada. Insect species alone number between 50,000 and 70,000. Other species in BC include (at least) 143 mammals, 454 birds, 20 amphibians, 19 reptiles, 2,850 vascular plants, 1,600 lichens, 522 attached algae, and over 10,000 fungi. The great abundance of life found in many of BC’s marine areas rivals the biodiversity of tropical rain forests. Around 7,000 marine species have been identified in the region off the coast of BC, and at least as many unidentified species are believed to exist.

Take Action on Biodiversity

There are many ways to help support biodiversity in the capital region depending on your circumstances. Here are a few easy tips to get you started:

Naturescape Your Yard

  • Create backyard biodiversity.
  • Garden with native plants to create habitat and provide food to support local biodiversity. Adapted to our local climate, native plants do not require additional watering once established or the addition of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers.
  • Increase habitat in your yard by leaving woody debris, providing rough rocky areas and reducing lawn area.
  • Provide a water source for drinking and bathing.
  • Use natural gardening techniques.

Remove Invasive Species

  • Learn more about invasive species in our region. Avoid planting and remove invasive species from your yard.
  • Watch for invasive plants in wildflower mixes and labels that say “vigorous self-seeders” or “rapid spreaders”.
  • Check out Grow Me Instead for beautiful native plant alternatives.

Prevent Pollution

  • Increase permeable surfaces to allow more rainwater to pass into the soil, reducing runoff into our stormwater system which can cause flooding, erosion, pollution and habitat degradation
  • Clean sidewalks and driveways with a brush or broom, rather than power washing.
  • Dispose of hazardous substances (e.g. motor oil, paint, pesticides, solvents) at an appropriate facility.
  • Use active transportation like walking or cycling to reduce car pollution and keep your car properly tuned and maintained

Take Only Photographs, Leave Only Footprints

  • Pack out everything you brought in such as garbage
  • Leave washed up natural items such as driftwood and shells on the beach to be recycled and reused in the ecosystem. Empty shells become new homes for hermit crabs. Seaweed tossed on the shore by fall and winter storms are food for amphipods and other marine critters and the nutrients are recycled back into the marine ecosystem.
  • Avoid trampling plants and animals along the seashore and stay on designated trails while hiking

Join the City Nature Challenge  April 25-28, 2025

  • Join community scientists and nature lovers across the capital region in celebrating local species and ecosystems by participating in the 2025 City Nature Challenge, happening April 25-28. During the City Nature Challenge over 400 cities across the world compete to photograph and document their local biodiversity using the free iNaturalist website or app. iNaturalist creates a record of the nature that surrounds us and helps local government and scientists protect biodiversity. 
  • Follow these easy steps to participate in City Nature Challenge:
  1. Create an account using the free iNaturalist app (AppStore or Google Play) or website
  2. Head online to join the Greater Victoria City Nature Challenge project for a chance to win prizes and receive project updates
  3. Observe local nature in your backyard, neighbourhood, or favourite park or beach between April 25-28. Observations of wild native plants, animals, fungi, insects, tracks, or even scat are all welcome.
  4. Use a digital camera or smart phone to capture your sightings, and upload to iNaturalist.
  5. Identify your findings as best you can and have people from the iNaturalist community help confirm. 

Get Involved

  • Join or support a local stewardship group   local stewardship group that works to protect and restore biodiversity.
  • Learn about the amazing biodiversity in our region and spread the word to friends, family and members of your community!

Bylaw No. 4575. Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship Service

The purpose of Bylaw No. 4575 is to establish a new regional service for the purpose of coordinating a regional approach to biodiversity, protection of ecological assets and environmental stewardship. The service will include conducting research, obtaining data, managing problem species, establishing partnerships with government and non-government organizations including First Nations, and facilitating an environmental stewardship strategy along with public outreach and education.

While the new service is initially built on the current invasive species management program, a regional approach to biodiversity and protection of natural assets requires coordination across multiple levels of government, First Nations, environmental organizations, landowners, and residents of the region. It also needs to be supported by research and inventories, collaborative partnerships, the implementation of an environmental stewardship strategy and public outreach program. Additional staff capacity and operational funds will be considered in future budget cycles to achieve a regional approach to biodiversity and protection of ecological assets.

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Territorial Acknowledgement

The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation