The decision making process generally takes 18 months, as UNESCO officials consider the natural and cultural value of site.

Known as Pimachiowin Aki — Ojibway for "the land that gives life" — the nominated area encompasses 33,400 square kilometres of boreal forest, rivers, lakes and wetlands spread across eastern Manitoba and into Ontario. The nominated WHS includes Atikaki Provincial Park in Manitoba and Woodland Caribou Provincial Park in Ontario. Five First Nations started the designation bid in 2002 and will manage the lands with the Governments of Ontario and Manitoba. The five First Nations entered into an accord in 2002, which called for establishment of the WHS.

"What it means for Manitobans is that we are going to be globally recognized for what we have done to protect this site," said Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger.

"It is Manitoba and Ontario's responsibility to design and protect these WHS lands. Road-building, mining and forestry operations will be allowed inside some areas of the proposed WHS, so it is not yet clear how much of the entire area will be protected," noted Manitoba Wildlands Director Gaile Whelan Enns.

If the bid is successful, the region would join other UNESCO world heritage sites such as Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Arizona's Grand Canyon and Canada's Banff National Park.