The South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program (SOSCP) was established in 2000 by a small group of government and non-government organizations that wanted to work together to achieve shared biodiversity conservation goals. Today, SOSCP has grown to 50 members.

Over the last 18 years, SOSCP and its Partners have had many conservation successes in one of the most ecologically rich, rare and at-risk landscapes of BC, but the job is not done.

As we approach our 20^th anniversary, there is cause to celebrate our successes and chart our next steps.

This starts with a simple, updated strategic plan that builds on our legacy, our partnership; and sets directions for conservation efforts from now through 2021.

The annual partners’ forum is an opportunity to coordinate our efforts through sharing information, and begin to identify our our collective priorities and plans toward our 20 year benchmark.

30 SOSCP partner organizations gathered March 1, 2018 for the annual partner forum in Penticton. It was a great turnout and at times the room was buzzing with partners networking and discussing latest conservation news.

Here were our GOALS for the day: 

1. Share information on current and planned SOSCP and Partner conservation initiatives over the next few years, highlighting areas for increased coordination.
2. Identify overlaps, gaps and opportunities for coordination and collaboration involving SOSCP, Partners, and other organizations working in conservation.
3. Provide recommendations on SOSCP’s structure, processes, vision, goals and priorities, for integration into an updated 2018 – 2021 strategic plan over the coming months.

This year, the highlight of the facilitated partner session was the live visual notetaking by graphic designer Sam Bradd – from Drawing Change. Sam listened closely, synthesized, and drew in real-time to capture partners’ ideas and perspectives. The Visuals helped us think, communicate, refine ideas and engage others. Graphic recording helps people remember and care about the ideas. It supports interaction, reflection, and seeing the next steps.

First the ELEVATOR speeches – partners and associates were invited to provide a 5 minute update on current and planned work, highlighting how SOSCP and partners could help deliver. Partners focused on a few points – including what their organizations /programs deliver, what is planned for next few years and what the greatest needs/and or opportunities for collaboration are.

After our five minutes each, Facilitator Susan Abs pulled it all together to highlight opportunities for coordination and collaboration, possible overlaps and some common themes. 

Project Overlaps and Possible Collaborations:

Connectivity Projects in South, North and Central Okanagan/Similkameen

Lakeshore/Riparian Projects

Common Themes and Needs

Information-sharing

Climate change adaptation is a common theme

Integration of TEK and First Nations engagement

Transboundary issues

Restoration and Enhancement – heighten engagement of volunteers and stewards; need more senior and local government collaboration

Streamlining local and provincial regulations for conservation projects

Research needs and opportunities

Possible Funding Collaborations

Could SOSCP partners coordinate asks, and share in the new federal Environment and Climate Change Canada funds?

Consider SOSCP consider developing an Endowment Fund?

Could SOSCP explore a fundraising position, see example of Capacity Re-grant Program used in the Heart-of-the-Rockies conservation program to administer grants. https://heart-of-rockies.org/what-we-do/capacity-building

Then Program Manager Bryn White took partners through the highlights of the SOSCP Partnership Strategy from 2012
SOSCP Partnership Strategy (2012) 

RECOMMENDED STRATEGIES

1. Keep the focus on shared conservation objectives.
2. Assess the potential for a basin-wide partnership.
3. Reinforce the partnership governance structure.
   • Strengthen organizational core. (strong Executive and support for manager position)
   • Adapt Team approach – more flexibility.
   • Bolster mechanisms for financial administration.
   • Be inclusive while increasing partner commitment.
   • Keep communication pathways logical and transparent.

4. Strengthen the interactivity, coordination and leverage among partner – three functions:
   • Conservation delivery
   • Partner support
   • Coordination

5. Increase the profile and brand of the SOSCP.
6. Build financial stability.
   • Increase partner contributions to the core coordination and the partner support functions of the
     program.
   • Actively seek financial support for SOSCP corporate.
   • Tap a diversity of funding sources to cultivate resilience.

Partners then broke out into groups of four, where each person interviewed three others with a single question.

Key questions:

1. Should the SOSCP partnership continue after 2021, at its 20-year mark? Why or why not? (If yes, what are its most valuable functions? If not, what other collaboration models could replace it?)
2. What should be SOSCP’s priority role, programs and activities from now through 2021?
3. What are the greatest opportunities for SOSCP and partner collaboration on regional conservation from now through 2021?
4. Can you suggest any changes or improvements to SOSCP’s current structure, programs and activities for 2018-21?