The seeds for a conservation economy have been planted in the Great Bear Rainforest, but the work is far from finished.  To ensure the new economy will flourish, it must be based on conservation principles set out by Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) the four environmental groups will be monitoring.

In this rigorous system, jobs are designed for the long-term and stay in the communities. Forestry retains a prominent place in the economy, but is vastly improved. Unlike traditional forestry practices that focus on the bottom line, cut rates are reduced to sustainable limits and employment levels are increased to meet the requirements of EBM and credible third party forest certification.

This approach called the Sustainability Scenario has been evaluated recently by an economist who found, "the Sustainability Scenario is a rational economic choice favourable to the future economic prosperity of the province and in particular to First Nations and other communities of" the Great Bear Rainforest. To read more about this report go here.

As part of this improved conservation economy, communities in the Great Bear Rainforest will have a much stronger role in resource development decisions. They will enjoy more of the rewards from resource extraction, and First Nations Title and Rights will be respected, all in accordance with the principles of Ecosystem-Based Management.

With ecosystem protection and sensible forest management, the rainforest will be able to support other enterprises that place a light footprint on the earth. One such venture is wilderness tourism. Local operators, such as Klemtu Tourism, are already starting to share the unique ecology and culture of the Great Bear Rainforest with visitors from around the world.

At the same time, First Nations are planning to invest in ecologically appropriate shellfish aquaculture, creating many community jobs. With financing and new infrastructure, First Nations and communities will be able to develop other businesses.

Some of these include non-timber forest products, such as medicinal plant products and botanicals, value-added wood products that combine local artistry with high-value timber and fish products, such as First Nation smoked salmon.

photos: Adrian Dorst (banner), Al Harvey/Slidefarm (centre)