          
DID YOU KNOW...Flower lovers can find English daisies, marsh marigolds, wild geraniums, Canada lilies and Canada violets in the Boreal |
Media CentrePress Releases2007Major Momentum Builds for Canada's Boreal ForestBusinesses, First Nations and Conservation Groups Advance Solutions to Preserve Canada's Green Necklace December 3, 2007 - Ottawa Global energy company Nexen Inc., national environmental organization the Pembina Institute, the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta and socially-responsible fund manager Domini Social Investments LLC are the newest members of the Boreal Leadership Council (BLC), the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) today announced. First convened in December 2003, the BLC is a unique alliance of conservation groups, First Nations, resource companies and financial institutions that are committed to conservation and sustainable development solutions in Canada’s Boreal Forest. The 18 members of the BLC are also signatories to the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework, which is a vision to preserve at least half of the Boreal Forest while supporting sustainable development on the remaining landscape. Stretching across the country from Newfoundland and Labrador to the Yukon, the Boreal Forest is one of the world’s largest and last intact forest ecosystems. It provides extensive habitat for a variety of species, is home to over 600 Aboriginal communities and is the backbone of Canada’s forestry, mining and energy sectors. The Boreal Forest contains more fresh water than any ecosystem on the planet and is a vital shield against global warming. “Today’s addition of four new BLC members marks the most significant expansion of the group since its inception,” said Larry Innes, CBI’s executive director. “We look forward to working with Nexen, Pembina, Treaty 8 First Nations and Domini as they contribute individually and collectively to making the Boreal Framework vision a reality.” Nexen Inc., an upstream oil and gas company with both conventional and unconventional as well as oil sands projects in the Boreal Forest, aims to reduce its ecological footprint by implementing sustainable operating practices, using innovative technologies and participating in research. “We are looking at ways to minimize the environmental impacts of our operations,” said Garry Mann, Nexen’s general manager of health, safety and environment. “As examples, we have recently sponsored research into the feasibility of developing a biodiversity offset regime in the Athabasca region as well as research on caribou habitat and wetlands elsewhere in the Western Canadian Boreal.” For the Pembina Institute, an environmental organization dedicated to advancing sustainable energy, joining the BLC provides an opportunity to further develop innovative conservation solutions that integrate Aboriginal, corporate and environmental perspectives. “Due to mounting pressures on Boreal ecosystems and communities, a joint effort is needed,” said Marlo Raynolds, executive director of the Pembina Institute. “By participating in a diverse and multi-sectoral group like the BLC we hope to enact change, both in government policies and industry practices.” With energy development in its own backyard, the Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta recognize the challenges of balancing development with conservation. “By working with the BLC we hope to link land use planning, environmental protection and recognition of our traditional rights with cultural sustainability and economic development within Treaty 8 territory,” said Treaty 8 Grand Chief Arthur Noskey. Domini Social Investments LLC, a leading investment adviser dedicated to socially and environmentally responsible investing, is active on a range of issues central to the Boreal Forest, including Aboriginal rights, climate change and ecological protection. "We believe that protecting the earth's forests is essential to addressing climate change," said Karen Shapiro, shareholder advocacy associate with Domini. "We have engaged with companies to improve their forestry and fiber sourcing practices. We are pleased to join the BLC and hope that by using our influence as investors, we can increase the group’s effectiveness in carrying out its important work." On December 6, 2007, the newest BLC members will be formally welcomed into the group at the inaugural Boreal Awards event in Ottawa, hosted by CBI. Based in Ottawa, the Canadian Boreal Initiative brings together diverse partners to create new solutions for Boreal conservation and acts as a catalyst for on-the-ground efforts across the Boreal by governments, industry, First Nations, conservation groups, major retailers, financial institutions and scientists. Nexen Inc. is an independent, Canadian-based global energy company, listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol NXY. It is uniquely positioned for growth in the North Sea, deep-water Gulf of Mexico, the Athabasca oil sands of Alberta, the Middle East and West Africa. Domini Social Investments LLC is an investment adviser specializing in socially responsible investing. It manages $1.5 billion for individual and institutional investors who integrate social and environmental standards into their investment decisions. The Pembina Institute aims to advance sustainable energy solutions through innovative research, education, consulting and advocacy. Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta represents 23 First Nations communities in Alberta whose traditional territories constitute the Boreal Forest in the northern two-thirds of the province. -30- For more information:
Carla Yuill Jim Webb Dan Woynillowicz Adam Kanzer |
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