Zita Botelho

Zita Botelho is the CEO of the Fraser Basin Council and a recognized leader in advancing watershed security, environmental governance, and sustainable natural resource stewardship. With over 20 years of experience across the non-profit, private, and public sectors—both in Canada and internationally—she has advanced policies and partnerships that link watershed health to economic resilience and sustainability.

Zita was the founding Director of Watersheds BC and Co-Director of the Healthy and Indigenous Watersheds Initiatives, where she worked with philanthropic partners to deliver $42 million in provincial funding. These investments supported 110 projects focused on watershed security across British Columbia. Her leadership in collaborative governance and cross-sector partnerships has helped scale solutions that benefit communities, businesses, and ecosystems alike.

Earlier in her career, Zita played a key role in developing Living Water Smart – BC’s Water Plan and the BC Water Sustainability Act, landmark policies that continue to shape water management in the province more than a decade later. Zita is deeply committed to integrating environmental policy with innovation and reconciliation—ensuring that water security supports ecological health, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

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.

Appointed in July, 2025