Zita Botelho is the Director of Watersheds BC and a recognized leader in watershed security, environmental policy, and sustainable resource management. With over 20 years of experience spanning the non-profit, private, and public sectors—both in Canada and internationally—she has advanced policies and partnerships that strengthen the connection between watershed health, economic resilience, and sustainability. As Co-Director of the Healthy and Indigenous Watersheds Initiatives, she partnered with philanthropy to deliver $42 million in provincial funding, supporting 110 projects focused on watershed security across British Columbia. Her leadership in collaborative governance and cross-sector partnerships has helped scale solutions that benefit businesses, communities, and ecosystems alike. Previously, she played a key role in developing Living Water Smart—BC’s Water Plan and the BC Water Sustainability Act, landmark policies that have shaped water management in BC for over a decade. Zita is committed to integrating environmental policy with innovation and reconciliation, ensuring water security supports economic growth, ecological health, and community resilience. She holds a BA (Hons) in Political Studies and Geography from Queen’s University and an MA in Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria.
