The SCCA is a volunteer association representing over thirty local conservation and community groups, plus individual members. We are dedicated to protecting the biodiversity and integrity of our air, water, forests, and marine environments, for all time. Any resident or organization in the Sunshine Coast/Powell River area that supports our mission statement is welcome to join the SCCA. Our full area of interest is the Sunshine Coast Forest District, which includes 2 million hectares of coastal temperate rain forest.

We pursue our mission through educational outreach to First Nations, regional governments, civic organizations, industrial stakeholders and the general public. Our activities include publishing, researching, public speaking and hosting educational forums. Assisting our member groups in achieving their conservation objectives is an important role of the SCCA, as is assisting other community organizations with their environmental concerns. We are also a watchdog and advocate, holding decision-makers to account when conservation assets are at risk and encouraging government though educational and legal means to follow its own regulations.

Our mission is to preserve the natural biodiversity of the Sunshine Coast region for the present and future benefit of humanity and all life. Specifically, to conduct research to inventory and describe our remaining natural areas with the goal of identifying land and waters important for the preservation of biodiversity. To work to retain such lands and waters in a natural state and make them available for public enjoyment where possible. To raise public environmental and conservation awareness by sponsoring educational programs and workshops and by supporting low impact recreation.

The SCCA has become the unifying voice of conservation for Sunshine Coast residents—the official umbrella organization for over 30 groups, working within the law and using appropriate advocacy techniques. Now, ten years later, new groups on the upper and lower Sunshine Coast continue to join and to learn advocacy and community-building skills from us. When conservation problems arise, people turn to the SCCA for help in dealing with government and raising public awareness.