Conservation Planing in Canada's Temperate Rainforest

Canada’s coastal temperate rainforest is one of the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth. The biomass (weight of organic matter) in these forests can be four times as great as that of any comparable area in the tropics. It supports a wide range of species, which include over 300 of the world’s largest wild pacific salmon runs, the unique Kermode/Spirit bears, and rare species such as the Northern Goshawk and the endangered Marbled Murrelet.

In 1999, coastal First Nations challenged the David Suzuki Foundation to host a conference for the leaders of First Nation communities of British Columbia's central and north coast, including Haida Gwaii. The goal was to define common ground and common problems, and to work together for common solutions. From March 2000 until the Protocol Agreement was signed in April 2001, five Turning Point conferences were held, resulting in The General Protocol Agreement between Coastal First Nations and our report on sustainable forestry, A Cut Above.

A Cut Above outlines nine principles to guide the development and implementation of ecologically sustainable forest practices that supports both the habitat needs of wildlife and the economic needs of local people. Through conserving productive forest ecosystems for future generations, these principles ensure that the local people are benefited by sustainable economies.

For more information:

• Read more about the General Protocol Agreement between Coastal First Nations
• Read our David Suzuki Foundation Nature & Wildlife reports
• To buy ecologically certified B.C. wood products: Eco-Lumber Co-op

• Conservation Planning Home
• Why is conservation planning necessary?
• Conservation planning framework
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• Case study: Tibet Autonomous Region, China
• Conservation Planning in Canada's Temperate Rainforest