ForestEthics, Greenpeace and Sierra Club BC have worked closely with many British Columbia’s coastal First Nations for more than 10 years. Working alongside elected and hereditary leaders and respecting First Nation governance systems, the groups in the Rainforest Solutions Project have shared conservation expertise, sustainable development plans and other practical information, such as mapping, to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest.

In one example, the environmental groups provided technical capacity to support land-use planning by the Wuikinuxv, Metlakatla, Heiltsuk and Gitxaala First Nations.

Land-use planning and management of  resources in the rainforest must recognize and honour First Nations Title and Rights to the land. This fundamental component is vital to the preservation of the rainforest. The overall approach seeks to:

• Protect and restore the unique coastal lands and associated marine ecosystems;
• Protect and maintain First Nations culture through respect for all people; and
• Develop ecologically sustainable economies.

The groups continue to honour this approach and develop implementation plans for Ecosystem-Based Management by searching for new economic options for First Nation communities and opportunities for conservation financing to move away from more destructive, short-term resource extraction.

Consequently, many First Nations in the Great Bear Rainforest have developed strong, effective working relationships among the four environmental groups.

photos: Adrian Dorst (banner), Patrick Armstrong/Moresby Consulting (centre)