It's one thing to have a map; it's another to use it. This is the major problem facing the work around Ecosystem-Based Management. EBM is the complete roadmap for building a sustainable, enduring solution for the Great Bear Rainforest. But will it be applied? And will its application be stringent?  A strong, clear commitment by stakeholders, notably the BC government, is required to turn EBM from a handbook into a lived reality.

Numerous stakeholders have already adopted the Ecosystem-Based Management Handbook. Several coastal First Nations have endorsed the EBM Framework agreement. And the BC government has announced a commitment to EBM in principle. However, this commitment was limited by a declaration that EBM requires "further study" before any further steps are taken. This study period has slowed the progress of EBM on the coast.

Supporting economic diversification and facilitating large-scale conservation requires substantial public and private investment. In February of 2007 the Federal government joined the Provincial government, to match
the $60 million dollars raised by environmental  organizations from private funders.  The $120 million will be used to help develop a conservation economy in Coastal First Nations communities.

To further make EBM work, First Nations must agree on a high standard of implementation in their communities, and this work must be consistently monitored and reviewed.

Ultimately, a shallow application of EBM based on a wavering commitment will not cut it. The implementation of EBM must be stringent and entrenched, or otherwise, the long-term health of Great Bear Rainforest will remain in jeopardy.

photos: Adrian Dorst (banner), Al Harvey/Slidefarm (centre)