Pacific North Coast Integrated Management Area (PNCIMA). This marine planning process is being led by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). In December of 2008 a formal governance agreement between coastal First Nations and DFO was signed. This agreement initiates planning in Pncima and with it comes hope. Hope that the people who live and work in Pncima will engage and provide meaningful input into the ocean resource that they rely on so intimately. The arrangement between the coastal First Nations and the Canadian Government provides the context for active stakeholder engagement. The best plan can only be realized when the people who live and work in Pncima participate in the plan.
The Government of Canada is legally obligated to generate the changes needed to protect and manage our oceans, coasts and estuaries. But marine planning needs the input of coastal communities and other stakeholders, as well as First Nation, and the relevant provincial and federal government departments.
Stakeholder engagement leads to better communication between all parties and results in more sensible outcomes. Stakeholder input can include opinions about how to ensure long-term viability of local fishing operations and local knowledge related to species’ distributions and abundance.
Learn about the first formal gathering to plan for PNCIMA. Click here.
