Page - June 5, 2006
Greenpeace’s work goes beyond trying to simply halt the destruction of ancient forests - in the Great Bear Rainforest we have a vision that we are working towards.
FSC certified sustainable logging is the key to protecting the Great Bear Rainforest.
Through our Rainforest Solution Project with environmental partners Forest Ethics, Sierra Club of Canada – BC Chapter and Rainforest Action Network we are hoping to use the global spotlight we have created to help build a diversified, sustainable local economy (PDF).
Currently, environmental groups are working to raise private, philanthropic and investment funding to facilitate implementation of a diversified economy and opportunities for coastal communities in the form of conservation financing and socially responsible investments for sustainable businesses.
Some examples of a new conservation economy have already taken seed in British Columbia, and many of them are First Nations owned and operated. Klemtu tourism offers tours to see the elusive white spirit bears in pristine areas of the Great Bear Rainforest, Taku Wild Salmon creates high end smoked salmon products and Clayoquot Sound Wildfoods harvests forest mushrooms and berries creating jams, jellies and other gourmet spreads.
Forestry can also play a roll in the conservation economy – Iisaak is a Nuu-chah-nulth logging company that offers only Forest Stewardship Council certified wood, ensuring that their impacts on the rainforests of Clayoquot Sound are minimal. Greenpeace is also a proud supporter of the Canadian Eco-Lumber Co-op, which helps source Forest Stewardship Council certified wood to customers around the world.
Rainforest Solutions Project promotes conservation options and economic alternatives to industrial logging in the Great Bear Rainforest