The model for new environmentalism

In one of the most biologically diverse places in the world, eagles soar high because they have to: Magnificent cedars rise as high as thirty stories from the forest floor. Still, it’s not high above where you’ll find the Great Bear’s most mysterious and magnificent treasures, it’s deep within: unique resources such as invaluable medicinal plants, rich runs of the world's wild salmon population and extremely rare wildlife such as the Great Bear’s elusive namesake, the pure white Spirit Bear. Thanks to our work and to support from people like you, this elaborate ecosystem will live on for generations. The story of the Great Bear Rainforest is truly a model for modern-day conservation.

A place where environment and economy are in tune

On March 31 2009, the government of British Columbia's promise to protect the Great Bear Rainforest became a reality. The major milestones include

  • 2.1 million hectares, or 5 million acres—an area half the size of Switzerland—have been legally protected from logging;
  • $120 million is available to First Nation communities to help kick-start a new conservation economy as an alternative to logging;
  • A new system of lighter touch logging, based on ecosystem-based management (EBM), has been legislated. This system maintains 50% of the natural level of old growth forest in the region. This translates to an additional 700,000 hectares (1.7 million acres) of forest set aside from logging.

Furthermore, various stakeholders have developed a five-year plan moving forward, ensuring that this pristine rainforest will be preserved for generations. The plan includes

  • Milestones for reaching 70% old-growth maintained over time, up from 50%;
  • Ongoing science-based collaborative planning;
  • Development of a reserve network outside of the protected areas.

While there is still work to be done, we recognize the story of the Great Bear Rainforest as a major success. The lessons learned in this campaign can inform environmental protection campaigns around the globe.
Learn more about the victory in the Great Bear Rainforest >>


Strange bedfellows

A major difference between the victory in the Great Bear Rainforest and other conservation efforts around the world is the remarkable multi-party collaboration between

  • The forest industry;
  • The government of both British Columbia and Canada;
  • Three leading environmental groups, including us;
  • Coastal First Nations;
  • The philanthropic community;
  • Large corporations such as Home Depot and Lowe's.

Our success in working with these strange bedfellows has guaranteed that the Great Bear Rainforest can be a model for how to achieve lasting conservation.

Keep track of all the progress in the Great Bear >>