Friday, March 21, is International Day of Forests. This year香蕉视频直播檚 theme is forests and food, where we celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of forests and their role in food security and livelihoods. 

Here in the Okanagan valley, we have ponderosa pine and douglas fir forests, the former being a relatively uncommon ecosystem type in B.C. - covering less than 1 per cent of the landbase. 

These forests provide habitat for at risk animals such as little brown bats, northern goshawks, and even pollinator species, like the blue listed lilac-bordered copper and California hairstreak butterflies. Habitat for pollinators is critical to ensure pollination, an essential ecosystem service, continues to help grow our food, including Okanagan fruit.

Beyond pollinators and species at risk, many important and iconic wildlife species in B.C. also call these forests home, such as deer, elk, cougars and black bears. Ensuring our forests can provide habitat for game species like deer and elk also contributes to food security.

The value of our forests goes well beyond timber, with healthy forest ecosystems supporting abundant wildlife and healthy communities. This is why change is needed in how we manage our forests, with a better balance between timber and ecological values.

That much was clear five years ago when the province conducted a review of old-growth forest management in B.C. With wide consultation and expert input, the Old Growth Strategic Review outlined better ways to manage forests.

I feel hopeful for the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework that was drafted as a result of the Review香蕉视频直播檚 recommendations. This framework sets the stage for a shift in natural resource management that prioritizes biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

Now, five years after the Old Growth Strategic Review release, the Province is overdue on advancing this framework. It香蕉视频直播檚 time for the government to release an Implementation Plan and develop legislation. A Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Law is what forests and species at risk in BC need to ensure they and the communities, food systems, industries, and ecosystem services they support, continue to thrive. That香蕉视频直播檚 what I香蕉视频直播檓 hoping for this International Day of Forests.

Meg Bjordal, 

Conservation Research & Policy Coordinator Land and Freshwater Program

CPAWS-BC