Welcome to the
Western Boreal Conservation Initiative

Boreal wetland Photo: K. Hannah; Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

LeConte's Sparrow Photo: K. Hannah; Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

Northern Saw-whet Owl Photo: K. Hannah; Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

The boreal forest is the second largest forest system in the world, extending across Canada, northern Europe, Russia, and Alaska. Canada's boreal forest accounts for over 50% of the country's area, providing habitat for a wide range of biodiversity. This forest is important to more than half of all the country's migratory birds, providing critical nesting habitat during the breeding season. These forests play a critical role as a carbon reservoir for the world. With its numerous bogs, fens, lakes, rivers, and wetlands, the boreal region is also a major source of water and wetland habitat.

The Western Boreal Conservation Initiative (WBCI) uses a partnership-based approach to facilitate conservation and protection of Canada's western boreal forest ecosystems and its biodiversity, and to support the sustainable development of natural resources.

More Information

• Western Boreal Conservation Initiative
• Boreal Forest's Importance

Program Update
2005-2006

Western Boreal Conservation Initiative - Program Update 2005-2006 Cover