Forests and Wild Lands

Forests are among the most complex ecosystems on earth. Our forests program uses a multi-faceted approach to explore issues associated with forests, such as biodiversity, conservation, responsible practices, and cultural values. We work with First Nations, community associations, environmental groups, and industry, while employing research, education, and outreach to communicate ecologically responsible solutions. We focus on creating alternatives to the industrial forestry model, both within Canada and internationally.

Four Great Rivers

The David Suzuki Foundation is helping to develop a conservation plan for the "Four Great Rivers" area of Tibet Autonomous Region, China, that aims to protect much of the headwaters of the Brahmaputra, Salween, Mekong, and Yangtze rivers. These four rivers provide freshwater to almost 20% of the world's population living in 8 countries downstream, and the area plays the vital role of flood control to all who live downstream.  The Four Great Rivers is home to the second largest concentration of biodiversity in Asia and includes some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals, including tigers, leopards, and  bears, as well as over 800,000 local people who comprise a dozen ethnic groups.

Endangered Species

Despite our extraordinary natural legacy, there are currently 487 species designated as "at risk" by the federal government. This is due to a variety of stresses including habitat damage, over-exploitation, the introduction of exotic/alien species, pollution and global atmospheric problems (climate change and ozone depletion). The David Suzuki Foundation is working to ensure that the new Canadian Species At Risk Act (SARA) is strong enough to bring real protection to these at risk species. Currently, our focus is on ensuring that the federal government uses the powers of the SARA to protect the habitat of Canada's most endangered bird, the Northern Spotted Owl.

Responsible Forestry

In April 2005, our forestry team released Canada's Rainforests: Status Report 3. This study finds that clearcut logging and destructive forest practices continue in Canada's Great Bear Rainforest, despite public perception that it has been "saved". It also examines the current proposed protection measures and finds them to be inadequate to protect this forest and the wildlife that it supports, for future generations.

The totem pole is the most immediately recognizable symbol of Pacific Northwest First Nations. These monumental carvings are known worldwide for their beauty, sophistication, and their representation of the relationship between traditional culture and the surrounding rainforest. A Vanishing Heritage: The Loss of Ancient Red Cedar from Canada's Rainforests exposes a disturbing trend that has red cedar--the species of tree used to make totems--being cut down at an alarming rate. This report was made in cooperation with the Western Canadian Wilderness Committee.

New Standards

For several years, our forests team has worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop a rigorous standard to certify logging practices in British Columbia. Certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is considered by environmental groups and many First Nations to be the only credible system to guarantee ecologically responsible forestry. Other certification bodies, like the Canadian Standards Association International and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, are funded by industry, which stands to profit from weaker standards.

After complex negotiation, a draft FSC standard has been developed for British Columbia and awaits approval by the FSC international board. The Suzuki Foundation is also involved in the current development of FSC certification principles for Canada's boreal forest.