There's a similar coalition to what's described above happening now with PSF offering to facilitate. However, with Covid it's been delayed. See below for summary:
SALMON SUMMIT 2021: Approaching the summit together
PSF invites your valued input into the creation of Salmon Summit 2021.
Background: The need for better communication and coordination was universally cited during the Pacific Salmon Foundation’s (PSF) strategic planning process in 2019 when we asked input from salmon stewardship and First Nations leaders. No regular convening to facilitate shared vision setting and action planning exists for Pacific salmon recovery. The need is only heightened now that the B.C. Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund has been launched, which has created a very positive imperative for NGO’s and First Nations to collaborate on Pacific salmon conservation projects. However, PSF believes there is need for a regular gathering and likely an on-going independent secretariat to ensure information and knowledge sharing, and the development of future activities that have the greatest potential to recover our many Pacific salmon stocks of conservation concern in British Columbia.
The IDEA: To bring together key leaders in the conservation and restoration of Pacific Salmon for a focused 1-2 day event to be held virtually in late spring 2021.
The INTENT: PSF is offering to serve as a catalyst to initiate this summit, and draw together key parties in Pacific salmon restoration to collaboratively tackle critical issues through the exchange of information and perspectives - successes and challenges. The goal would be to draft a Shared Vision and Action plan that will make the best use of our collective efforts, knowledge and research. By acting as a catalyst, PSF commits to co-convening with First Nations, Governments and conservation leadership organizations.
The INVITATION: To enlist your initial involvement in the development of a blueprint for the summit. Your thoughts and feedback will help determine the shape and scope; later your participation in the event will help to ensure effective, meaningful outcomes.
We are getting in touch now to ask if you could contribute a little time in order to provide your input regarding the potential scope, approach and priorities of the summit. We’d like to get as much feedback as possible by mid-February.
Representatives from First Nations and NGOs, and from Departments of the Federal & Provincial Governments are currently being contacted.
The FUTURE: With the development of a successful blueprint in 2021, we can collectively lay the groundwork for a series of summits over the next several years that will help us to make effective solutions together.
What HAPPENS NEXT?
Before the anticipated phone discussions, we would like to share a few questions in advance to help frame the conversation and f
ocus of the Summit:
Should this first Salmon Summit tackle an issue that has broad implication for the conservation of all species of Pacific Salmon in British Columbia? An example of this broader approach is: “Building a Climate Adaptation Plan for Pacific Salmon.” It would encompass the full lifecycle of salmon from freshwater through estuaries and open ocean.
Another approach to consider for the first summit is to focus on a single theme or several themes. Themes that have been shared include: Governance; Enhancement; Habitat - restoration and protection; Enforcement, including support for First Nations Guardians; and Priority Setting and Monitoring.
We would also like to discuss with you questions regarding the overall shape and approach of the summit proceedings.
For example, the breadth of participation - how large should the numbers of participants in this first summit be, given the large and diverse communities/organizations that care about salmon restoration?
Also, the timing? Given the urgent challenges facing Pacific salmon, is it preferable to aim for a more contained summit this spring/summer, or wait for the fall with the information provided by another year of Pacific salmon returns, and additional planning time for a potentially larger summit.
Finally, given the limitations imposed by the pandemic, how can we take best advantage of virtual capabilities to build an effective first summit?