As the Metro Vancouver region continues to grow, it is critical to work together to protect, connect, and restore our important natural green spaces. When natural areas are connected, they are more resilient to the impacts of climate change — helping support strong and healthy communities and the environment.
Metro Vancouver developed the Regional Natural Infrastructure Network (RNIN) Map to highlight opportunities for planners, developers, and decision makers to support land use and conservation choices. This map was created in collaboration with member jurisdictions, First Nations, and other agencies. Metro Vancouver has prepared a user guide to answer common questions and support consistent interpretation of the map.
Regional Natural Infrastructure Network Opportunity Map
The map was created in collaboration with member jurisdictions, First Nations, and other agencies.
Metro 2050 targets
Regional partners are working collaboratively towards a shared target to increase the amount of land in the region that is protected for nature from 40% to 50% by 2050. Our region can achieve this target by further protecting and restoring ecosystems, such as those located in the RNIN, while also accommodating some development.
Vital role of the network
Between 2009 and 2020, the Metro Vancouver region lost 2,500 hectares of sensitive ecosystems, an area equivalent to six Stanley Parks. As urbanization increases and climate change impacts worsen, it is critical to maintain and enhance ecosystem connectivity across the region.
Focusing protection and restoration efforts on a connected network of healthy ecosystems, ensures these areas can continue to:
- Absorb rainwater
- Reduce strain on stormwater infrastructure
- Lower the risk of overland flooding
- Cool our cities
- Store and sequester carbon
- Support biodiversity
- Provide human health benefits
- Improve the resilience of our communities to the impacts of climate change
Next steps
Metro Vancouver is collaborating with member jurisdictions, First Nations, and other agencies to:
- Prepare implementation guidelines to support a regional natural infrastructure network and assist with the protection, enhancement, and restoration of ecosystems
- Track and periodically report on regional natural infrastructure network implementation efforts