Boreal Initiatives

The Boreal Forest Conservation Framework (the Framework) is a shared vision to sustain the ecological and cultural integrity of the Canadian Boreal Forest in perpetuity.

Our vision is that Canada's Boreal Forest will become the world's best conserved forest ecosystem, while supporting Northern communities by developing leading sustainable management practices. Together, Canadians will recognize and promote the important value of healthy Boreal ecosystems and communities.

• protect at least 50% of the Boreal in a network of large interconnected protected areas, and
• support sustainable communities, world-leading ecosystem-based resource management and state-of-the-art stewardship practices across the remaining landscape."

In addition to the vision statement and goal noted above, the Framework articulates principles, commitments and general criteria with respect to a Canada wide network of large interconnected protected areas.

In May 2007, more than 1,500 scientists from around the world endorsed the Framework's vision for Boreal conservation.

In comparison to previous large-scale conservation initiatives in Ontario, this announcement is unprecedented; the future protected areas will be larger than Canada's Atlantic provinces combined.

• Collaborate with scientists, First Nation and Métis communities to identify, map and permanently protect an interconnected network of conservation lands across the Far North. (North of 50 degrees)
• Support a local land-use planning process for First Nation communities in the region that will precede development decisions. Fundamental to this process is a commitment from Premier McGuinty to work with First Nations to ensure their consent is given before any industrial projects go forward.
• Work with northern communities and resource industries to create a broad plan for sustainable development, including mechanisms for resource benefit sharing wit First Nations communities for projects that receive community consent.
• Review the Mining Act, introduce legislation in the upcoming session and put in place new mining rules in late 2009. Consultations could begin as early as August 2008. Premier McGuinty's commitment is to change the Mining Act from a 'free entry' system to one that respects the rights of First Nations and ensure that new mining development in the Far North will require early consultation and accommodation with local Aboriginal communities.

The entire process - land use planning, new mining legislation, protected areas establishment - is expected to be completed over the next 10 to 15 years.

The Ontario government says protecting this region is key to its plan to fight climate change. The forests and peat lands in the Far North store about 97 billion metric tonnes of carbon dioxide and absorb approximately 12.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Ontario's northern boreal region is inhabited by more than 200 species of animals such as polar bears, wolverines, and caribou - many of which are threatened or endangered.

Preserving these lands also protects the core cultural connection of the Aboriginal people who live there, their connection to the land, clean water and abundant hunting and fishing. First Nations leaders in Ontario praised the government's approach.

"This is good news for the people of Nishnawbe Aski, as it will require that First Nations be fully involved in resource development in our traditional territory," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy. "Not only will this provide clarity for First Nations, Ontario and industry as we pursue new economic opportunities, but it will also support any First Nations who may not be ready for resource development in their territory."

Ontario Regional Chief Angus Toulouse stated, "Reconciliation and conservation are imperatives for all peoples of Ontario. I am pleased to see the Premier taking steps in this direction."

Regional Chief Toulouse also added, "I take the Premier's words to mean that the evolution of development in this province has to change. This change must bring to an end development driven solely by colonial interests and capital gain."

The Boreal Songbird Initiative (BSI) is a US-based non-profit "dedicated to educating Americans about the importance of the Boreal Forest to migratory birds". The BSI strives to mobilize US citizens and groups to influence Canadian policy and practice regarding the boreal forest because resource development in the Boreal is largely being spurred by American consumption.