Why is this forest so important?

It is globally unique: The Great Bear Rainforest is the last, largest stand of intact temperate old growth rainforest found in the world. Coastal temperate rainforests are more endangered than tropical rainforests having only ever covered less than one per cent of the earth's surface. Numerous species of animals are part of the rainforest ecosystem and runs of wild salmon nurture all life, including the forest itself. The biomass (weight of organic matter) in some parts of the Great Bear Rainforest is four times greater than any comparable areas in the dense jungles of the Amazon. The region provides a rare opportunity to protect a unique, fully-functioning and endangered forest ecosystem..

Kermode bears, a rare white variety of the black bear, gigantic red cedars and the endangered marbled Murrelet all live in the Great Bear. Pacific salmon are the lifeblood of the Great Bear Rainforest. Animal, plants and people depend on this one species, a migratory fish that returns to the rainforest. The rainforest has over 300 of the world's largest wild pacific salmon runs.

It is home to some 41,000 people: Numerous First Nations as well as other cultures call the Great Bear Rainforest home. From Prince Rupert to Bella Bella to Knight Inlet many people still live off the land. Endanger the species and ecosystems of the Great Bear Rainforest, and the people who depend on them will become endangered too.

Most importantly, the conservation and community development efforts taking place in the region could be a global model for sustainability.  In a time where the world needs more concrete solutions to environmental and social problems, the Great Bear Rainforest campaign offers an inspiring example of dialogue, solution-building, and innovation.

photos: Adrian Dorst (banner), Marni Grossman (centre)