A
Model For Ecological and Economic Balance
Optimax Consulting
Brian and Greer Pasquill
The Burns Bog Sustainable Development Strategy was developed
to explore and describe the potential for sustainable development
opportunities at the Burns Bog peatlands. Burns Bog is the
largest raised peat bog on the West Coast of the Americas,
and home to over 150 blue and yellow-listed species of birds,
28 sensitive, vulnerable, or managed species of mammals
and countless species of plant and insect. A multitude of
factors make this 4000-hectare urban wilderness unique;
it is an ecosystem that provides some of the worlds most
effective ecological services. Some such services include
atmospheric cleansing, climate regulation, and nutrient
recycling by absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
gases, and transforming them into elements that nourish
the Boundary Bay region and the Fraser River, the world's
largest salmon bearing river.
The current challenge is finding a way to harmonize the
Bog's processes with human or industrial ones, necessitating
a plan that delivers human and economic benefits without
sacrificing the integrity of one of the Lower Mainland's
most important ecosystems.
This report examines how the concepts of ecotourism, eco-industry
and inter-group collaboration can guide development efforts,
protect the integrity of the ecosystem and stimulate investment.
Design and construction practices that harmonize with Burns
Bog's ecological process, rather than alter them, are suggested.
Coordinated and timely action can potentially position Burns
Bog as an internationally recognized model for sustainable
development, research, and education. The report investigates
a wide spectrum of development alternatives, and delivers
an action play for its administrators, of which the following
is an element:
Three Tier Eco-Exposition Site
Three core development concepts are presented that are intended
to provide a platform for environmentally responsible practices,
processes and technologies. The realization of these proposals
relies upon a sustainable development paradigm; that is,
their design and construction should incorporate ecologically
responsible methods as well as waste management, resource
cycling and alternative energy technologies. Each tier has
multiple components that together represent an opportunity
for Delta to become an international attraction for investment,
science, and travel while providing a national nucleus for
environmental technologies, industrial ecology, and sustainable
practices. To prevent further disturbance of the Bog's ecological
integrity, existing industrially zoned sites on the Bog's
periphery are proposed as locations for the developments.
- RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FACILITY - to initiate further
scientific study of peatlands' ecological processes,
environmental technology innovation, and facilitate
education initiatives.
- ECO-TOURISM FACILITY - to capitalize on the trend
in global tourism markets towards natural experiences
and low-impact behaviours while offering exposure to
the latest technologies and practices in the environmental
industry.
- ECO-INDUSTRIAL PARK - attracting industry leaders
and investment from across Canada and around the world
by providing an arena to showcase environmental technologies
and sustainable practices.
Each of these proposals is examined in detail with particular
attention paid to the unique ecological, social, economic
and cultural characteristics of Burns Bog and British Columbia.
Ultimately, the report reveals how the intelligent management
of this resource will play a key roll in the future health
and wealth of BC and its residents.
The notion of optional trade-offs between conservation and
development interests through collaboration and innovation
among all stakeholders for the enhancement of Delta and
the region is paramount in this plan.
