In March 2009 Quebec pledged to protect 50 percent of the land north of the 49th parallel from industrial, mining and energy development. Under Plan Nord, the other half would be "held to sustainable standards".

"The government of Quebec has shown us a vision for protecting this world-class resource," said Mat Jacobson of the Pew Environment Group. "As a next step, we recommend establishing a planning process that engages Aboriginal people and stakeholders, using science, traditional knowledge and local perspectives to conserve ecological and cultural integrity while fostering healthy regional economies."

The Boreal forest is one of the richest ecosystems left in the world and home to woodland caribou, wolverine and golden eagle, all species threatened with extinction.