Canadian boreal forest
The Canadian boreal forest is an ancient and living forest that is a global treasure shaped by natural forces and stewarded by Indigenous Peoples.
The Canadian boreal serves as an important and stunning refuge for some of the world’s most iconic wildlife — like the wolverine, lynx, caribou and billions of migratory birds. It protects our global climate by storing tremendous amounts of carbon. And it provides a wealth of social and cultural benefits. Canada is home to nearly a quarter of the world’s remaining intact forests. But with only 8 percent of the country’s forest land permanently protected, logging poses a major threat to the people and wildlife that call the forest home.
We need action
Some major companies have adopted policies that restrict the purchase of products from the most destructive logging in Canada. But more is needed. We’re calling on all stakeholders and decision-makers — including provincial governments — to put proper conservation plans in place today for threatened species like the woodland caribou and for intact forests.
We envision a day when people, communities, industry and government can work in harmony, instead of in competition. A large network of protected areas that include the most intact and endangered stretches of forest is vital to preserving the health of Canada’s boreal forest. And strong implementation of conservation laws, including the Species At Risk Act, need to be the backbone of forest policy to ensure sustainable logging that supports local communities and First Nations can continue well into the future.
