Beyond Expectations!
A new beginning in the BC rainforest 
It took nearly
a decade to reach the agreement, but on February 7th
2006, the British Columbia provincial
land use decisions for the Central Coast and the North
Coast were formally announced. The decisions mean that
some of the most spectacular, ecologically-diverse
regions in the world including critical Spirit Bear
habitat, are being protected. A region once known for
conflict has established itself as a leader in sustainable
solutions.
In making the announcement Premier Gordon
Campbell explained “The agreement reached on
these areas represents an unprecedented collaboration
between First
Nations, industry, environmentalists, local governments
and many other stakeholders in how we manage the vast
richness of B.C.’s coast for the benefit of all
British Columbians. The result is a strong marriage
that balances the needs of the environment with the
need for sustainable jobs and a strong economic future
for coastal communities.
“
Diverse interests have come together in a unique partnership
that will support economic opportunity while preserving
some of B.C.’s most spectacular wilderness areas
and protecting habitat for a number of species, including
the rare Spirit Bear. I want to thank all the groups
who have shown vision, foresight and patience in bringing
us to this historic day.”
The Joint Solutions
Project
After many years of conflict, forest companies
and environmental groups had agreed in 2000 to work
together
to find real solutions, the result was the Joint
Solutions Project (JSP). With scientific advice
from the independent,
multidisciplinary Coast Information Team, they
developed models that eventually became the cornerstone
of
consensus agreements for the Central Coast and
North Coast land
use planning. Consensus agreements were formally
presented to the British Columbia and local First
Nations governments
in July 2004. The final and critical step was the
launch of government-to-government discussions
involving the
province and more than 25 First Nations with traditional
territories in the area. The agreements support
the cultural values of and provide economic opportunities
for First Nations.
The result is a vision that respects
both the unique, globally rare coastal environment,
and the needs
of the people who live and work in the area.
It acknowledges the global importance of this sensitive
region.
Partners in the Joint Solutions Project
are Canfor Corporation, Catalyst Paper Corporation,
ForestEthics,
Greenpeace, International Forest Products,
Rainforest Action Network, the Sierra Club of Canada,
BC
Chapter and Western Forest Products. Conservation financing
A key component of the agreement
is an innovative conservation financing package to
fund conservation
management projects
and ecologically sustainable business ventures
in First Nation territories. To date almost
half of
the $120
million has been raised by Canadian and US
foundations, and fundraising continues.
During the long
journey, the interest and encouragement of our
customers has been invaluable. We thank
them for their support. Full details on
the historic agreement
and a backgrounder on the process that
led us all here can be found at: www.coastforestconservationinitiative.com,
or please contact us directly at: info@canfor.ca. |
