Living Economies

We’re using science, economics, and policy to advance nature-positive economies in British Columbia. 

Raincoast’s Living Economies Program explores how healthy ecosystems can support thriving local economies. We quantify the economic value of ecosystem services, habitat restoration, and conservation initiatives, while developing innovative approaches to finance and the delivery of conservation in salmon-bearing watersheds. By integrating economics, western science, conservation finance, and policy, we work to create solutions that generate employment, strengthen local economies, and support resilient communities across British Columbia. 

Building on a decade of habitat restoration and job creation

The Living Economies Program builds on the success of Raincoast’s decade-long habitat restoration and conservation work in the Lower Fraser River. Over the past 10 years, our projects have removed barriers to fish passage, controlled invasive species, and restored critical habitat for wild Pacific salmon.

This work created employment for 50 people, with more than $885,576.48 in grant funding directly supporting local jobs. The projects brought together a diverse range of expertise, including biologists, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, First Nations youth, environmental monitors, engineers,  heavy machinery operators, construction consultants, archaeologists, and graduate students. 

By investing in habitat restoration, this initiative has contributed to the recovery of endangered Pacific salmon while demonstrating that conservation can create meaningful employment opportunities – even within one of the most urbanized and highly modified landscapes in British Columbia.

Aerial photo of tiny, distant workers with hard hats walking around the Fraser River Estuary, surrounded by grasses and water.

Recent, from Raincoast

Drone image of Sumas Prairie farm fields flooded.

New study identifies the cost of restoring the Sumas Xhotsa (Lake) as a tool for reconciliation, climate adaptation, and ecosystem restoration

The research weaves together Indigenous laws with an economic analysis to determine the cost of implementing ‘managed retreat’ as a nature-based solution to flood risk in the Lower Fraser region.
People looking into a net in the middle of one of our breaches in the North Arm Jetty.

Monitoring salmon in our latest breach in the North Arm Jetty

Master’s research is looking into different life histories of sockeye salmon to better understand the impact of Raincoast’s breaches project.
Two killer whales surfacing near the ocean.

[Not] Living with the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion

Raincoast scientists comment on the opening of the Trans Mountain pipeline.
A view of the mountains over Vancouver, a layer of smog in the mid ground, and ships at rest in the foreground of the Salish Sea.

Building a resilient funding and decision-making structure for the Lower Fraser

Our new report highlights global case studies for the development of a comprehensive, place-based conservation strategy in the Lower Fraser.
Five pacific salmon artwork on a white background.

Wild Salmon Day: Inspiring hope and action

In celebration of Wild Salmon Day, we identify some of the threats facing these fish in BC.
Five people using a net on the side of the Fraser Estuary doing science.

Raincoast welcomes thirteen new team members who have joined our team for the summer

Raincoast is able to provide workplace experience while progressing our conservation work.
Breach that Raincoast made in the North Arm Jetty that is being monitored by multiple people with a large net.

Nature-based Solutions: How restoring habitat protects people and wildlife

Climate change costs in BC are running in the billions of dollars per year; there are many benefits to Nature-based Solutions.
Orange mushroom growing up through moss.

Raincoast is going to Ottawa… again!

Raincoast’s Director of our Fraser River Salmon Conservation Program, Kristen Walters, will be attending Nature on the Hill – an event hosted by Nature Canada that connects conservationists with Members of Parliament to discuss pressing biodiversity issues.