CONSENSUS VS. IMPLEMENTATION: TOWARD THE CREATION OF A MARINE PROTECTED AREA AT RACE ROCKS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

• Main Authors: Sean Leroy, Rod Dobell, Tony Dorcey, James Tansey
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: British Columbia; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.544.6010; http://www3.telus.net/LeRoy/Sean/Research_archive_files/15.6.pdf

This study examines the role of a multi-stakeholder consensus process in the proposed designation of the XwaYeN (Race Rocks) Marine Protected Area in British Columbia, Canada. Led by the federal government, the Race Rocks Advisory Board negotiated consensus recommendations in support of designation, including provisions for co-management with First Nations and the creation of a no-take zone. Despite the apparent success of the process, local First Nations felt they were improperly consulted, citing Treaty rights and the fiduciary responsibilities of the federal government. Some Board members further felt that the consensus recommendations were not fairly reflected in the government’s regulatory process. Future consensus processes should be jointly convened with First Nations and have a comprehensive terms of reference. 1.