The province of Ontario has announced one of the largest forest protection commitments ever made.
Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a plan permanently to protect at least 225,000km² of the Far North Boreal region.
Scientists, First Nation and Métis communities will collaborate to map and protect an interconnected network of conservation lands across the Far North.
The province described the Northern Boreal region as “one of the last truly wild spaces on the planet”. Protecting the region is a key part in in the provincial government’s plan to fight climate change.
“Although the Northern Boreal region has remained virtually undisturbed since the retreat of the glaciers, change is inevitably coming to these lands,” said Mr McGuinty.
“We need to prepare for development and plan for it. It’s our responsibility as global citizens to get this right, and to act now.”
