Final agreement reached to protect BC’s Great Bear Rainforest

After over 20 years of negotiations, the Province of BC and First Nations have reached an agreement to protect the Great Bear Rainforest.

Agreement Reached

In February 2016, the BC government announced that a final agreement had been reached to protect the Great Bear Rainforest.

The agreement stipulates that 85% of the Great Bear Rainforest has been restricted from logging and the remaining areas must adhere to strict ecosystem-based management practices. It also recognizes First Nations in the region as co-decision makers of the area and commits to providing economic opportunities for communities.

This landmark achievement was made possible by over 20 years of negotiations between First Nations, environmental organizations, and the Province of British Columbia.

Dallas Smith, President of the N<span style="text-decoration: underline;">a</span>nwa<span style="text-decoration: underline;">k</span>olas Council, speaks at the GBR agreements. Photo courtesy of the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/bcgovphotos/" target="_blank">Province of BC</a>. — Dallas Smith, President of the Nanwakolas Council, speaks at the GBR agreements. Photo courtesy of the Province of BC.

The Great Bear Rainforest contains varied wildlife, including humpback whales. Photo by Brodie Guy.

Important Area Protected

The new agreement protects the Great Bear Rainforest — the largest remaining intact coast rainforest in the world. This area sustains unique ecosystems and the rich cultures of First Nations communities who reside in it.

Stretching from the Bute inlet in BC South Coast up to the Alaska border, it contains important salmon-bearing rivers, watersheds, and large forests that support abundant and diverse wildlife. For more information on this important area, visit our page on the Great Bear Rainforest.