Enewsletter

In an effort to raise awareness about the conservation and sustainable development of forests, and to celebrate people’s action to sustainably manage the world’s forests, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2011 the International Year of Forests (IYF).

In recognition of this special year, Nature Canada is reaffirming its commitment to protecting forests in Canada, and has endorsed the United Nations Resolution on International Year of Forests.The official launch of the International Year of Forests 2011 took place at the Ninth Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests at the United Nations New York Headquarters on January 24, 2011.

1. Make significant progress to adequately represent all Canadian forest regions by forming a network of interconnected parks and other protected areas which includes at least 50% of the Boreal Forest.  In forested areas that are not included in this network, we call on the federal government to sustainably manage forest resources, ensuring the ecological and cultural integrity of forests – and their associated wetland areas and watercourses – are maintained.  
   
   
2. Adopt recovery strategies for species at risk living in forests which identify critical habitat, enforce protective measures, and implement timely action plans.
   
   
3. Reduce emissions from logging by protecting forests in Canada and beyond by continuing to support “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation” (REDD), an initiative under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), during negotiations. In addition, adopt meaningful domestic greenhouse gas reduction targets to combat climate change.
   
   
4. Improve Canadian forestry practices by:
   a) Ensuring that forestry operations in Canada do not threaten migratory bird populations through the destruction of nests and eggs.
   b) Adopting a financing mechanism to support the conservation of Canadian migratory birds and their forest habitat in Canada and throughout the western hemisphere.
   
   
5. Increase Canada’s efforts to settle land claims and outstanding treaty issues.