Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in Canada's forests: Progress and challenges

Abstract

This paper is a summary of an assessment of the forest community's progress toward meeting its commitment to the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy of maintaining the extent, diversity and health of a large portion of the world's temperate and boreal forests. The past decade's success with current sustainable forest management programs has been important in achieving Canada's custodial responsibilities. So, too, is our enviable position of a high degree of public ownership of forests, the wilderness nature of most northern forests and limited development that has largely retained forests in their natural state. As Canada develops a new National Forest Strategy, there is again the opportunity to examine emerging issues and develop new programs to meet the challenges over the next five years. Canada has made considerable progress in achieving a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation by establishing a variety of new mechanisms to monitor and deliver programs. The Canadian Biodiversity Strategy is a long-term commitment that requires sustained resources and co-operation from a variety of governmental, industry and community interests. Key words: forest biodiversity, sustainable forest management, ecosystem approach.