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Industry, First Nations and Conservationists Join Forces Behind Largest Conservation Vision in Canadian History

(Ottawa) -- December 1, 2003 – An unlikely alliance of conservation organizations, First Nations and resource companies is proposing a vision to safeguard Canada’s vast boreal forests and wetlands – comprising one of the largest remaining intact ecosystems in the world.

The Boreal Forest Conservation Framework being announced today by the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) is a new and balanced approach to nature conservation and development, endorsed by a diverse group with historically competing interests. It will position Canada as the world leader in forest and wetlands conservation and management.

The 11 groups that have endorsed this shared vision are: Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Deh Cho First Nations, Domtar Inc., Ducks Unlimited Canada, Forest Ethics, the Innu Nation, Poplar River First Nation, Suncor Energy Inc, Tembec Forest Industries and the World Wildlife Fund of Canada. Together, they are the founding members of the Boreal Leadership Council convened by the CBI.

“The Framework vision reflects a wide range of perspectives; the collective wisdom and experience of leaders in boreal conservation; and currently available information, ” says Cathy Wilkinson, Director of the Canadian Boreal Initiative. “We hope that our work will be an inspiration and source of creative solutions to all who depend on the future of the boreal.”

Wilkinson adds that with more than 90% of the boreal forest region under public ownership, it will be important for governments to play a central role in making the Framework’s vision a reality.

Building on the strength of the diverse interests on the council, members now want to reach out to other organizations and governments. “Our plan now is to move into a broader dialogue with governments and others to explore collaborative approaches, particularly in the area of effective land use planning,” says Wilkinson.

Wilkinson says there is an urgent need for a holistic approach towards boreal conservation because land use decisions in every province and territory will determine the fate of much of the region within the next three to five years.

“By acting now, Canada can safeguard 25% of the world’s remaining large forestlands – while they are still for the most part ecologically intact. We have a unique opportunity to pursue a balanced vision to conserve the entire Canadian boreal forest region, while providing for extensive economic benefits,” notes Wilkinson.

The Framework calls for the establishment of a network of large interconnected protected areas covering about half of the country’s boreal region, which includes the boreal forest, the Aspen Parkland and the Taiga, and the use of leading-edge sustainable development practices in remaining areas. The Framework represents a national vision and goal for the region as a whole, rather than a formula to be applied on a unit-by-unit basis in a particular part of the region. A number of recently announced initiatives across the country, including those involving Council members in Labrador, the NWT, Ontario and Quebec, will be instrumental in advancing conservation consistent with the Framework.

Over the coming months, the CBI will be working with Council members to increase Framework endorsement in a variety of sectors, generate on-the-ground examples of the Framework principles in action, and create opportunities for governments to become engaged and active participants. The CBI has also commissioned science-based research to refine the approaches and activities that will help elaborate and implement this vision.

Related backgrounders are also available at www.borealcanada.ca on:

Canada’s Boreal Forest Region

  • The Canadian Boreal Initiative
  • The Boreal Leadership Council
  • The Boreal Forest Conservation Framework
  • Rationale for the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework

The Canadian Boreal Initiative is a national, non-governmental organization established in 2003, supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts, to promote boreal forest conservation and sustainable development.

 
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