Indigenous Group: 26 First Nations

Business: BC Government

Issue: Industrial developments, logging, and the combined effects of climate change continue to threaten the cultural and ecological integrity of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Comment: First Nations are concerned about the environmental impacts of destructive logging practices and the lack of economic benefits for their communities from ongoing logging.

BC Government – The Great Bear Rainforest was established through land-use decisions announced in 2006. This globally unique area covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia’s north and central coast and is home to 26 separate First Nations. Ecosystem-based management in the area is defined as “concurrent achievement of high levels of ecological integrity and high levels of human well-being.” With the new measures, 85% of the forest will be protected and 15% will be available for logging, supporting local jobs. The land-use order also addresses First Nations’ cultural heritage resources, freshwater ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

Last Update: Feb. 1, 2016 – The final Great Bear Rainforest Agreement – was signed between First Nations and the British Columbia government, permanently conserving 19 million acres of Pacific coast between Vancouver Island and southeast Alaska. About 9 million acres are off limits to logging, with the balance managed under some of the world’s most stringent harvest standards.