New agreement protects crucial rainforest areas
After decades of complex negotiations between provinces, the First Nations and the industry leaders, an area bigger than Vancouver is officially under complete protection from the logging industry. The agreement, which was finalized on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, declares that 85 per cent (3.1 million hectares) of the forested area in the northern wilderness will be completely—and permanently—protected from industrial logging. The rest of the land will still, however, be open to commercial logging, but only under the conditions put forth by a very strict government. These acts have many people looking to the future with a smile and hope that more instances like this one will occur.
The Great Bear Rainforest is home to many unique flora and fauna, but the Kermode bear is one such fauna that sticks out. They too will be protected under the new agreement, which is exciting news for the sometimes known “spirit” bear, as the uniquely cream-coloured subspecies of black bear will continue to live on in its natural habitat.
Though, the news of the agreement is indeed exciting, the origins of the agreement are not as pleasant. The first time that an agreement like this had been announced was 10 years ago, following a period of deep conflict between First Nations and timber firms over old growth logging. Only after a coalition was formed and boycott campaigns were launched did an agreement between all those involved get announced, and in 2006, negotiations began. Since then the industry leaders, the First Nations community and the different provincial governments which have been in place have worked to establish some kind of permanent protectionary agreement for the land, and that goal has been accomplished.
Not only are the First Nations of the area thrilled to see the agreement pass, and permanent status given to the land, but others around the world are also showing excitement. Representatives of international organizations like Greenpeace see the agreement as a stepping stone to the future. Through these kinds of acts, it is believed that much good can be brought to the planet, which so desperately needs help in getting back on track. This massive forest is just a small step in reality, when looking at what still needs to be done for the planet, but it is an important step none the less, and puts hope into the hearts of those fighting for similar and innovative agreements worldwide.