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New online outreach campaign urges B.C. government to “Keep the Promise” to the Great Bear Rainforest

23 October 2008

Moss cover rocks and fallen trees in the Great Bear Rainforest.

Vancouver, Canada — With the eleventh hour looming over the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, a new online outreach campaign from Greenpeace, Sierra Club B.C. and ForestEthics has already prompted thousands of people to email Premier Campbell to remind him to "Keep the Promise" to the Great Bear Rainforest. The online outreach is galvanizing the support of influential blogs while social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are mobilizing users from around the world to encourage the B.C. government to keep its promise.

"Already thousands have written to the Premier, which shows how much the Great Bear Rainforest is valued at home and around the world," says Valerie Langer, ForestEthics’ B.C. coast campaigns director. "People want the B.C. government to inspire them by keeping its promise to them and the rainforest."

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As part of the B.C. government’s 2006 announcement – one that made headlines around the world – Premier Gordon Campbell committed to implement a multi-part conservation agreement by March 31st, 2009. Significant progress has been made and one-third of the rainforest is now protected from logging. However, the groups say time is running out for the B.C. government to have a credible plan that ensures the ecological health of the rest of the stunning region.

"We are so close to finally having a conservation model that can be showcased around the world," says Stephanie Goodwin, Greenpeace senior forest campaigner. "But without follow- through on the Great Bear Rainforest agreements, the province will fall short on preserving the rainforest for future generations."

An online community of Great Bear supporters is growing rapidly while high-profile blogs are airing a Great Bear video that urges viewers to send their own messages to the Premier.

"With the finish line looming on the horizon, it is critical that the B.C. government moves quickly to earn global recognition for its leadership in protecting the Great Bear Rainforest," says Jens Wieting, coastal forest campaigner with Sierra Club BC.