Natural resources and community vitality: A rural perspective

Abstract

British Columbia is uniquely blessed with a spectacular wealth of ecologically diverse natural resources. Beginning with First Nations societies long ago, these resources have been the foundation for the sense of place, quality of life, and economies of rural communities in the province. These communities, however, now face rapid, unprecedented change linked to natural resources—change which emanates from both global and “made-in-BC” sources. Such change creates challenges and uncertainties, but also presents opportunities. A five-point framework used to assess the fate of societies shows that British Columbia's rural communities will continue to face challenges in areas crucial to their futures. This heightens the need to strengthen community capacity both to anticipate and deal with problems and to seize opportunities. Most rural communities are now committed to taking charge of their futures, and are seeking ways to thrive in this era of change. Although attention paid by science to community sustainability has increased significantly in recent years, much more research is needed. This paper outlines some change-related challenges and opportunities facing rural communities in British Columbia and offers suggestions for important research to help communities build local capacity.