          
DID YOU KNOW...More than 600 First Nations communities maintain traditional roots in the Boreal |
Media CentrePress Releases2004International recommendation highlights Canada's Boreal regionNovember 25, 2004 - OTTAWA One of the world's most important conservation bodies today passed a recommendation calling for conservation of the world's Boreal region. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) recommendation highlights the global importance of Canada's Boreal region, urging protection of the overall health of the region, respect for the rights and interests of Aboriginal people in land use decisions, and conservation planning before development across the region. The recommendation was passed in Bangkok during the IUCN's 3rd World Conservation Congress, the largest conservation gathering since the World Summit on the Environment in Johannesburg in 2002. The recommendation reflects consensus among IUCN member delegates, who include Canadian government departments and agencies, non-government organizations and institutions. Canadians attending the congress say that it reflects a growing recognition by conservation scientists around the world that the Boreal Region is of vital global importance. "Unlike so many other once great forests and wetlands, much of Canada's Boreal Region is still intact - offering a tremendous opportunity for conservation planning in advance of any future development," said Cathy Wilkinson, Director of the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) and a Bangkok delegate. "This is a recognition of Canada's unique opportunity, as well as affirmation of positive steps already being taken across the country. The recommendation provides a building block on which to further collaboration among key Boreal partners, especially governments." A Congress workshop co-hosted by CBI and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), showcased the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework - a balanced vision for protection and development by an extraordinary alliance of Canadian conservation organizations, First Nations and industry. Representatives of Framework signatories Poplar River First Nation, Tembec Inc. and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) talked about their engagement in the Framework and in innovative models for implementing it on the ground. "The workshop provided IUCN members from around the world the opportunity to learn about the innovative ways in which especially First Nations are protecting the Boreal, "said Susan Casey-Lefkowitz of NRDC and delegate. "Through the recommendation, the international community is clearly signaling the importance of the ecological and cultural values of the Boreal. This marks a key milestone in the growth of international awareness of the importance and value of the Boreal Region." "We are very pleased with the international recognition of our traditional knowledge and our leadership in establishing our Protected Area reserve and promoting the First Nations-led initiative to secure World Heritage Site designation for the Atikaki/Woodland Caribou/Accord First Nations lands in Manitoba and Ontario," said the delegation from Poplar River First Nation. "Tembec's participation in the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework demonstrates our corporate commitment to environmental leadership and to applying world-leading standards on the ground," said Rick Groves of Tembec Inc. and delegate. "We are excited to share our cooperative approach to Boreal conservation in Canada with delegates from around the world," said Anna Baggio of CPAWS and delegate. Founded in 1948, IUCN membership includes environmental organizations and government agencies from 140 countries, and over 10,000 scientists participate in their six global commissions. Perhaps best known for issuing its annual Red List of endangered species, the IUCN holds its Congress every four years to discuss and find solutions to the world's most pressing conservation issues. For more information, visit http://www.iucn.org/congress/index.cfm . The recommendation focuses on Canada and Russia as key Boreal nations. It calls for conservation commitments and actions around three major themes: community-based and ecosystem-based land use planning in advance of tenure allocation; enhancing, expanding and establishing new protected areas; and acknowledging and respecting the role of indigenous peoples in achieving conservation goals, while respecting their traditional land management regimes and knowledge. The recommendation acknowledges existing conservation initiatives, from the Canadian and International Model Forest Networks to the Canadian Boreal Forest Conservation Framework. It references the tremendous ecological values of the Boreal Region and specifically recognizes the spiritual and cultural relationships of indigenous peoples to their lands, waters, and creatures, and that indigenous cultures, spirituality, and economic well-being and renewal are inextricably linked to the continuing health of Boreal ecosystems. Complete recommendation text. (PDF - 28KB)] Canada and Russia contain most of the world's Boreal Region, which encircles the northern part of the globe. Canada 's Boreal Region alone contains one-quarter of the world's remaining original forests, and huge expanses of wetlands. It is an immensely important buffer against climate change. One of the last large intact forest ecosystems left on Earth, Canada's boreal is home to a rich array of wildlife including migratory songbirds, fish, waterfowl, bears, wolves and caribou. The Boreal Region's natural wealth sustains many of Canada's Aboriginal communities. Its resources also support thousands of jobs, contributing billions to the Canadian economy. Although most original wilderness forests have been developed, most of Canada's Boreal Region is still unfragmented by roads or other industrial use. However, this region is under increasing development pressure, as commercial interest in industrial logging, hydropower, mining, and oil and gas development continues to grow. For more information on Canada's Boreal Region, visit www.borealcanada.ca. The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) is an independent organization working with conservationists, First Nations, industry and others to link science, policy and conservation activities in Canada's boreal region. www.borealcanada.ca The Natural Resources Defense Council is a U.S.-based, non-profit organization of scientists, lawyers and environmental specialists dedicated to protecting public health and the environment. Founded in 1970, NRDC has more than 1 million e-activists and members. http://www.nrdc.org/land/Forests/default.asp or http://www.savebiogems.org/boreal/ As Canada's "grassroots voice for wilderness," the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) focuses on establishing interconnected networks of parks and wilderness areas, and ensuring that nature comes first in their management. http://www.wildlandsleague.org/ or http://www.cpaws.org/index.html Located on the east side of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Poplar River First Nation leads conservation efforts in their traditional territory. Poplar River First Nation is undertaking research concerning traditional occupancy and preparing a land management plan. http://www.poplarriverfirstnation.ca/ -30- For more information: |
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