One Okanagan Watershed

The One Okanagan Watershed project explores sustainable financing mechanisms to support regenerative practices and watershed security in the Okanagan River basin. Led by SFU ACT – Action on Climate Team and Salmon Nation CoLabs, the project has fostered the Okanagan Catalyst Network, engaging diverse stakeholders, including regenerative farmers, organic wineries, Indigenous groups, NGOs, universities, and the Tri-Nation Bringing the Salmon Home initiative (Syilx, Ktunaxa, Secwepemc Nations).

The research focuses on two key areas: regenerative agriculture and salmon habitat restoration, investigating financial tools such as carbon credits, ecosystem service credits, and biocultural credit programs. A key question is how to design financing models that inspire municipalities, businesses, and individuals to invest in watershed health. There is a strong interest in exploring new financing pathways to support the implementation of nature-based practices and solutions.

By identifying opportunities, barriers, and trade-offs in financing nature-based solutions (NbS), this project lays the groundwork for innovative funding strategies that align economic activity with ecological and social well-being. The findings will contribute to broader discussions on watershed resilience, NbS financing, and climate adaptation, supporting further collaboration and implementation efforts within the Okanagan Catalyst Network and partners in the Okanagan watershed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alison Shaw

Student:

Partner:

Magic Canoe Society

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Management of companies and enterprises

University:

Simon Fraser University

Program: