The State of Canada's Forests 2004-2005

Points of View

In light of the current boreal forest debate, what VISION do you have of Canada's boreal forest and why?

What would you suggest governments, industry, environmentalists and other stakeholders do to help RESOLVE THE DIVERGENT PERSPECTIVES of the boreal forest?

Blanketing 30 percent of the country, the boreal forest is as much a defining feature of Canada as the coastline, the prairies or the far north.

The boreal forest is home to almost one third of the planet's forests and more fresh water than anywhere else on Earth. Despite its harsh climate, it nurtures a huge variety of plant and animal life. It also produces oxygen and stores carbon dioxide, valuable functions in light of global warming.

The boreal forest is also tightly woven into Canada's social fabric; many communities, a significant number of them Aboriginal, call it their home. And the boreal is becoming increasingly attractive to the forest industry. As demand for wood mounts worldwide, so does the pressure on Canada's forest companies to move north. About half the country's boreal forest is now accessible to industry by highway and logging road.

Should forest companies continue to make inroads into the boreal? Should development be prohibited or restricted to preserve ecosystems and untouched areas? Is there room for both industrial development and environmental protection? And what of the communities that live and work in the boreal—how do they fit in?

These are the questions at the heart of today's debate about the boreal forest, the outcome of which will determine the future of this vast resource. To get a sense of the debate, where it's heading and how it might be resolved, we asked twelve Canadians to weigh in. Representing six forest interest groups—communities, environmentalists, industry, Aboriginal people, provincial government and youth-the interviewees expressed a range of views. Yet all agreed: careful planning and cooperation are essential, as a healthy, productive boreal forest tomorrow depends on sound decisions today.

How They Stack Up

They come from different groups and have different perspectives on the boreal forest. So it's not surprising that this year's interviewees voiced some contradictory opinions. What is surprising is the number of beliefs about the boreal forest that they share. These individuals see things differently, but their common ground bodes well for the future of Canada's boreal forest.

Where they agree

Balanced management
The boreal forest is valuable in many ways, to many groups. It must be managed so that all its benefits—ecological, economic, social, historical—continue to be enjoyed equally.

Cooperation in the forest
Everyone with a stake in the boreal forest must work together to manage it responsibly for future generations, so that no one group or interest predominates.

Aboriginal involvement
Canada's Aboriginal people, many of whom are boreal dwellers, need a direct say in forest decisions, and their rights, traditions and livelihood must be recognized and respected.

Land use planning
Strategic planning, involving all affected parties, is the only way to get balance, cooperation and community input.

Where they disagree

Who should take the lead?
Some believe that regions and communities should have the largest influence in planning for the boreal forest. Others think the provinces should be at the helm. As for national guidance, some feel it's valuable; others think it's unrealistic.

What is the role of protected areas?
Views differ here: protected forests should serve as working laboratories; they (or portions of them) should remain untouched and open to natural disturbances; they should not be left alone because they can become unhealthy, prone to infestation and fire.

What about environmental concerns?
Interviewees concur that environmental issues are key in managing the boreal forest. But some suggest that environmental groups wield too much influence, and that their role should become less rhetorical and more practical.

Is consensus a valid goal?
Some feel that consensus among boreal stakeholders is the only option. Others think debates and disagreements are inevitable, even desirable.

Points of View:

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