Science-Based Research Key to Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement Science-Based Research Key to Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement

October 8, 2013, EDMONTON – The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement (CBFA) is a model for applying the world’s leading science to on-the-ground environmental and economic realities, said University of Alberta scientist Fiona Schmiegelow.

“The CBFA provides us with an incredible opportunity to advance  scientific research through its application to real, on-the-ground management of environmental, economic and social policy issues in Canada’s boreal forest, and to adapt that research to emerging challenges,” said Dr. Fiona Schmiegelow, Professor of Northern Environmental and Conservation Sciences at the University of Alberta and senior science advisor to the CBFA.

Schmiegelow outlined the CBFA Science Program, entitled “The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement: Seizing the Potential” at a press conference in advance of her formal presentation to the International Boreal Forest Research Association event October 10, 2013 at the Shaw Conference Centre.

CBFA Executive Director Aran O’Carroll said scientific research is one of the most important tools used by the forestry and environmental group signatories to the CBFA in reaching consensus to protect threatened woodland caribou and support a viable forest industry in Canada.

“The CBFA is about finding constructive solutions between the forest industry and environmental organizations in Canada. Scientific research plays an important role in finding those solutions,” said O’Carroll.

O’Carroll also presented a giant map of Canada’s boreal forest at the news conference. The map will travel nationwide visiting schools and other organizations over the next three years. It was created in partnership with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Signed in May 2010, signatories to the CBFA include seven leading environmental organizations and the Forest Products Association of Canada and its 19 member companies.

It applies to more than 73 million hectares across the country, making it the world’s largest conservation initiative.

This unprecedented global initiative seeks to conserve significant areas of Canada’s vast Boreal Forest, protect threatened woodland caribou, and sustain a healthy forestry industry for the communities who rely on it.

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