Integration of Agriculture and Wildlife Ecosystem Services: A Case Study of Westham Island, British Columbia, Canada

There is concern regarding the loss of ecosystem goods and services as a result of land use changes, such as the expansion and intensification of agricultural activities. Assessments of these interactions require innovative analyses that combine qualitative and quantitative economic analyses. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework was applied to a peri-urban region in British Columbia to assess the effects of the integration of agricultural programs and the maintenance of waterfowl habitat located on the Pacific Flyway.

The Delta Farmland & Wildlife Trust, a non-governmental organization, has implemented several activities to enhance eco-system goods and services by cooperative programs among the agricultural community and wildlife interests. The successful collaborative framework has resulted in enhanced soil quality, increased biodiversity, and the maintenance of valuable agriculture and waterfowl habitat.