Visiting The Great Bear Rainforest

In 2006, the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement preserved 5,000,000 acres of rainforest for future years. It included making sure that 85% of the area would not be logged and 70% of the Old Growth forest would be protected. The bigger effect, however, allows those who live in the rainforest to remain, including the people who live there. Including the entire ecosystem ensures the protection of all species, and utilizing the knowledge of the First Nation people who live there, the ecological practices may look different from what have been traditionally used. The trees are primarily cedar, hemlock and silver spruce. When trees die in the rainforest, they quickly become a place for other plants to grow. They logs are called nurse logs, and as they decay they provide nutrients not only for the plants growing on them but also for the ground. The orange fungus, Chicken of the Woods, is a highly sought-after fungus for cooking. It took every bit of strength Shawn, our guide, had not to take some back with him for the chef.

The protected areas are governed by the First Nations tribes by democratically elected chiefs and councils. Hence, they can decide with whom they work, who is allowed on their land, and what subjects are researched. The relationships formed are important to all concerned, and those involved in the relationships are careful to protect them. Canada has been very progressive in returning governance of some areas to the First Nations people. What researchers are finding is that the First Nations methods of protecting the land are beneficial and sometimes superior to western methods. Trusting them to manage the Great Bear Rainforest is a big step. And what it means is that they can restrict people from coming onto their land, they can make their own rules, and they can decide what management practices they use. This has complicated the life for cruises and visitors, as it is not nearly as easy to gain access to some areas, but by allowing them to govern their land, the Rainforest will be protected in a much better fashion.