Voices of the Boreal: Photo contest!
If you have a beautiful photo taken in the Boreal Forest, you'll want to get involved in the Small Change Fund's photo contest:
Small Change Fund's Boreal Photo Contest is seeking photo entries which convey the 'Voices of The Boreal', be it people, places, landscapes, animals or habitat.
If you have an unpublished photo which you feel communicates the voices of the Boreal forest, submit it today! Tell us below where you took it, and why you think your photo speaks about or of Canada's Boreal forest.
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International Science Symposium - Planning the conservation of Quebec's northern ecosystems: The challenge of a decade
International scientific symposium kicks off this week in Montreal:
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the phenomenal success of the International Scientific Symposium. We are now collecting the presentations and will publish them on the symposium web site shortly.
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Introduction of the bill to conserve the natural heritage and ensure sustainable development of the Plan Nord territory:
Given the fast pace of development in the North, CBI urges the government to act immediately and for the legislation to proceed quickly
QUEBEC CITY, April 17, 2012: The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) welcomes the introduction of the bill to conserve the natural heritage and ensure sustainable development of the territory covered by the Plan Nord ˇV but notes an urgency to act. "This long-awaited bill must be given the force of law quickly to achieve a balance with industrial development activities already well underway in the North," explained Suzann Methot, CBIˇ¦s regional director in Quebec.
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In an editorial in the journal Conservation Biology, the authors ask some key questions, and offer compelling scientific reasons why at least 50% of the landscape needs to be protected:
Rather, conservation professionals must become part of the constituency that promotes life on Earth. Our task is not to be beaten down by political reality, but to help change it. Nature needs at least 50%, and it is time we said so. [Read the full editorial]
Top 10 Stories on Canada's Boreal Forest for 2011, International Year of Forests
December 29, 2011: Large, intact wild spaces, such as forests, are increasingly rare on our global landscape. To note the growing recognition of the vast economic, cultural, and ecologic importance of forests to our world, 2011 was declared the International Year of the Forest by the United Nations.
Spanning 1.2 billion acres, Canada's Boreal Forest is the largest intact forest ecosystem on the planet. This unique environment is home to hundreds of Aboriginal communities, along with vital populations of large mammals, billions of migratory birds, the largest expanses of wetlands and surface water, and some of the largest stores of carbon on earth.
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In the news - Protected Areas: the "secret" natural solution to climate change
December 5, 2011: An article from the IUCN - Climate change is the greatest threat to biodiversity and human livelihoods, and one the most effective solutions are the world's protected area systems, amomg them national parks and wilderness reserves. Not only do they help address the causes of climate change - the release of greenhouse gases, they also mitigate the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and everything that depends on healthy natural ecosystems.
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New Agreement Signals Dawn of Best Practices
with Aboriginal Partners in Canadian Mining Ventures
December 2, 2011: The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) applauds the agreement announced yesterday by the Innu Takuaikan Uashat mak Mani-Utenam (ITUM) and Cap-Ex Ventures Ltd. This agreement will be the first of two between the two parties covering mining exploration activities on the companyˇ¦s mining claims on ITUM territory.
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Aboriginal Speaker's Series: Inspiring speakers, thoughtful stories
November 18, 2011: The presentations ''The Boreal Forest: Our Land, Our Story, Our Responsibility'' at the University of Toronto and McGill University went very well, proving once again the power of human experience. Learn more about recent events, along with upcoming plans, inside.
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Intact Habitat Landscapes and Woodland Caribou on the Island of Newfoundland
November 16, 2011: A new report has been released about woodland caribou on the island of Newfoundland. Woodland caribou in Newfoundland have recently experienced a steep and rapid decline. While predation on caribou calves is a key reason for this decline, habitat alteration from human land use and activities can result in functional habitat loss - a decline in caribou occupancy well beyond the immediate footprint of the disturbance. Disturbed areas also allow predators easier access to caribou herds.
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International Scientists Add Their Support to Plan Nord Conservation Policy
November 11, 2011: On the final day of the consultation period for the Charest Government's proposal to protect half of the land area of the Plan Nord from industrial activity, an independent group of more than 750 scientists from around the world are hailing the initiative as globally significant.
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The Boreal Forest: Our Land, Our Story, Our Responsibility National Aboriginal Speaking Series Event in Montreal and Toronto
November 8, 2011: Join us in Montreal on November 16 or in Toronto on November 17 for an evening of stories and music celebrating the lives and leadership of Aboriginal in Canadaˇ¦s Boreal Forest. Faced with increasing industrial development, habitat destruction, and land conflicts, Canadaˇ¦s Boreal Forest needs solutions. Aboriginal leadership in conservation and land use planning are amongst our strongest tools. Prominent Aboriginal leaders will speak of their experiences living and working in the Boreal Forest
Details for Montreal »
Details for Toronto »
La Presse - Plan Nord: no logging in protected areas
November 5 , 2011: The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Pierre Arcand, announced yesterday that there would be no logging in the area of the Northern Plan devoted to conservation. "In my book, logging should be considered an industrial activity," Arcand said in press briefing in Montreal, after a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations in Montreal.
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Canadian Mint launches new toonie celebrating Canada's Boreal Forest
November 2 , 2011: The Canadian Mint has launched a new coin that celebrates the beauty and significance of Canada's Boreal Forest. This special coin marking the indispensible services of the forest was created to mark the International Year of the Forest.
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International Conservation Groups Urge Action to Save Canada Freshwater
October 27, 2011: As billions of birds near the end of their annual fall migration from Canada, international experts are calling for increased protection of Canada's bird nursery of the north: the water-rich boreal forest which contains the breeding and nesting grounds for billions of migratory birds and whose waterways and wetlands are under increasing pressure from the double threat of industrial expansion and climate change.
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Environmental Groups Urge Rejection of Revised Fish Lake Mine Proposal
October 19, 2011: Victoria and Vancouver, B.C. - Tasekoˇ¦s revised proposal for a Fish Lake gold and copper mine would be even more of ˇ§an environmental disasterˇ¨ than the companyˇ¦s original proposal and must be turned down for federal public review, 11 environmental groups said today.
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Scientists support proposed boreal World Heritage site in Manitoba and Ontario
OTTAWA: September 29, 2011 - An independent group of more than 75 scientists are backing efforts by First Nations and provincial governments to seek international recognition of Pimachiowin Aki, a 43,000 square kilometre area of intact boreal forest spanning Manitoba and Ontario, as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) has endorsed the scientistsˇ¦ recommendations.
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Google Earth Outreach launches in Canada with a boreal tour
September 27, 2011 - Today, Google Earth Outreach launched in Canada ˇV bringing with it an array of tools for Canadaˇ¦s non-profits, NGOs and Aboriginal peoples with which to leverage the power of Google Earth and Maps and to support efforts and provide better outreach tools for the important work theyˇ¦re doing in areas such as energy, environment, human rights, and cultural preservation.
One of Google Earth Outreach priorities for this launch was to help focus the worldˇ¦s attention on the largest remaining intact forest, Canadaˇ¦s Boreal Forest.
Consultations on Plan Nord protection: The Canadian Boreal Initiative encourages public participation
September 9, 2011 -
Today Quebec's Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks announced public hearings, to be held during September and October, on its commitment to protect biodiversity as part of the Plan Nord. The Plan Nord aims to integrate economic development and biodiversity conservation in northern Quebec.
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Bill 14 to modernize the Mining Act in Quebec
August 30, 2011 - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) was recently invited to submit a brief at the Quebec parliamentary commission on Bill 14. This stage of public consultation studies in detail the bill to modernize the Mining Act of Quebec.
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Taku Agreement in Northern BC: an inspiring example of cooperation instead of conflict
July 19, 2011 - The Canadian Boreal Initiative congratulates the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the Government of British Columbia for achieving two major agreements on land use planning and shared decision-making. These agreements offer the potential to avoid the conflict and uncertainty that has hindered government and mining industry relations with First Nations in BC.
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First Nation Land Use Plans are a Cornerstone for World Heritage Site Designation
July 15, 2011 - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) congratulates the Pauingassi and Little Grand Rapids First Nations and the Province of Ontario on concluding final land use plans. These plans, together with similar work being concluded in Manitoba, will form the cornerstone of Pimachiowin Aki, a candidate for a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Global Forest Watch Canada: New report maps disturbances and restoration-protection opportunities for Woodland Caribou in Northern Quebec
July 14, 2011 - According to a study released today by Global Forest Watch Canada (GFWC), critical woodland caribou habitat in the James Bay region of northern Quebec is being rapidly impacted by roads and logging. The Canadian Boreal Initiative has released the following comment on the GFWC report:
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New report:
Keeping woodland caribou in the boreal forest: Big challenge, immense opportunity
July 13, 2011 - To help inform decision makers and the public at large, the International Boreal Conservation Science Panel has published Keeping woodland caribou in the boreal forest: Big challenge, immense opportunity as a guide for conserving woodland caribou over the long term. It provides a broad overview of the state of woodland caribou, leading causes of their decline, and concludes with proactive steps needed to be taken to ensure this iconic species is not lost forever.
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World Class Boreal Protection Plan Announced in Manitoba
June 16, 2011 - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) congratulates Poplar River First Nation and the Province of Manitoba for jointly approving a land use plan that ensures the protection of the 8,600 km2 (2.1M acre) Poplar River Anishinabek Traditional Territory.
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CBC Radio Morning reports on the Launch of the Friends of the Eagle River
June 13, 2011 - A great launch of the Friends of the Eagle River took place on Friday with a group of Grade 4 students and CBC was there to share it with Labradorians on CBC morning. Find out why it is important to protect Labrador's natural and cultural treasure.
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Newfoundland and Labrador's Eagle River takes centre stage for Canadian Rivers Day
June 10, 2011 - This morning the founding members of the Friends of the Eagle River (FOER) marked Canadian Rivers Day with a presentation to students of Queen of Peace Middle School. FOER is a new group formed to promote Labrador's spectacular Eagle River and the soon-to-be-established provincial waterway park.
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Aboriginal Leaders Celebrate Protection of Boreal Homelands
June 2, 2011: Today, a former premier and an international award-winning environmentalist will discuss aboriginal leadership in protecting and developing Canada's boreal forest in a celebration at the University of Manitoba.
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See you in Winnipeg! Join us for the Aboriginal Speaking Series.
On June 2, 2011 join us: Come and enjoy an inspiring evening of music and stories win Winnipeg, celebrating the leadership of Aboriginal communities in the conservation and sustainable development of the Boreal Forest. Two brilliant leaders, Stephen Kakfwi and Sophia Rabliauskas will be sharing their stories and experiences, and local Winnipeg band Eagle & Hawk will perform live.
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Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement celebrates first anniversary
May 18, 2011 - Environmental groups and forest products companies that signed the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement (CBFA) say significant strides have been made in the past year to turn the landmark agreement into concrete steps to make change on the ground that will protect the Boreal Forest and the people who rely on it for their economic prosperity and traditional way of life.
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Creation of the Assinica National Park Reserve: The first test for the Plan Nord
May 17, 2011 - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) welcomes todayˇ¦s announcement, made at Ouj?-Bougoumou, of the creation of Assinica National Park Reserve on Cree territory. The Government of Qu?bec should continue conservation planning in this region by considering other proposals submitted to government by Cree communities and the Cree Regional Authority.
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Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement on-line Town Hall
May 16, 2011 –To mark its first year anniversary the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement (CBFA) will be the subject of an online town hall conversation on May 18th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm EST. Open to the public and media, participants will be able to learn more about the CBFA and put questions to its signatories on a wide range of issues related to Canadaˇ¦s Boreal Forest including species at risk, the importance of the forestry industry, the necessity of finding win-win solutions for the environment and a healthy forestry sector, and how the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement is making progress in these areas. Richard Brooks from Greenpeace and Avrim Lazar from the Forest Products Association of Canada will be on hand to take questions.
The CBFA is an historic agreement between 9 environmental organizations and 21 member companies of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) that seeks to implement a globally significant model of conservation and resource management in Canadaˇ¦s vast Boreal Forest, protect threatened woodland caribou and sustain a healthy forestry industry for the communities who rely on it in a manner that respects Aboriginal rights and title.
The town hall and instructions on how to take part will be located on the CBFA website.
The Plan Nord: Toward a Sustainable Development Model
Lévis, May 9, 2011 – The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) applauds the sustainable development measures contained in the Plan Nord, released today by the Charest Government. The plan, almost two years in the making, will give Aboriginal people, the Quebec government, other stakeholders, environmental groups, and industry the opportunity to honour their commitment to protect half the area covered by the Plan Nord, preserving the environment and fostering biodiversity, while shifting to a new partnership approach in social and economic development projects.
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Desjardins' photo contest - Quebec - My Corner of Nature to Protect!
April 22 , 2011 –Combine your passion for photography with your love of nature! Whether you are a novice or more experienced photographer, this amateur photo contest is for you! Desjardins, in cooperation with the Canadian Boreal Initiative and Jour de la Terre Quebec, invites you to let Internet users vote on your best snapshot of a corner of nature in Quebec which you treasure and which you feel should be protected. Deadline for photo submissions is May 22, 2011.
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IN THE NEWS - The international climate change battle begins at home
April 20, 2011 – Fewer election issues illustrate the divide between political rhetoric and political challenge more than climate change. Successive federal governments have offered some mixture of three things: the grandiose, unrealized promise; the parochial gesture; or ˇ§the hand,ˇ¨ tuning out of the conversation altogether.
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Pew Report - Canada's Boreal Forest Houses World's Largest Water Source
March 16, 2011 –Top scientists call boreal protection a global priority A first of its kind report by the Pew Environment Group reveals that Canada's boreal, the world's largest intact forest and on-land carbon storehouse, contains more unfrozen freshwater than any other ecosystem. As United Nations' International Year of the Forests and World Water Day coincide, world leaders are grappling with water scarcity and pollutionˇVand scientists are calling boreal protection a top global priority.
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Diverse Interests Look Towards Premier's Opening Speech for Vision of Balancing Conservation and Sustainable Development in Plan Nord
- Groups Say Plan Nord Could be “Global Model”
Montreal (February 21, 2011) – Conservation organizations, in Quebec, Canada and abroad say they are looking forward to Premier Jean Charest's inaugural speech for what they expect to be an articulation of a visionary approach to balancing conservation and development, with respect for Aboriginal rights and communities interests in the Plan Nord.
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IN VIDEO: Videos of the Campaign for The Land that Gives Life: Pimachiowin Aki -
A Proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Land that Gives Life is part of the largest stretch of boreal forest on earth, comprising a unique and productive chain of inter-connected habitats consisting of forests, lakes, rivers, valleys, wetlands, peat lands and tundra in its northern-most regions.
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