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About
the Silva Forest Foundation The
Need for Change |
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Throughout
Canada, industrial timber companies have been cutting too much too
fast, using primarily clearcut logging as their method of operation.
As a result, Canada's public forests are at risk, and we need to
change how we relate to and use the forests that provide us with
so many benefits. In looking across Canada, there are few models
of how to maintain the integrity of the forest while also maintaining
healthy communities and local economies. |
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Debris left after clearcut logging. |
Clearcutting near critical wetland habitat. |
Fragmentation of the forested landscape. |
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Recognizing
the need for change in how forests are protected and used in Canada,
in 1992 the Silva Forest Foundation began its work to initiate and
support models of change to an ecosystem-based approach to the conservation
and use of forests. SFF is unique in Canada in working with forest-based
communities to empower people with ecosystem-based tools for change.
Our Work—Creating Models
for Change
The Silva Forest Foundation (SFF) has pioneered an ecosystem-based
approach to forest conservation that protects biodiversity, while
assisting communities and individuals to implement ecologically
responsible forest use and economic development. Working collaboratively
with rural communities, First Nations, forest stewards, and conservation
organizations, SFF carries out programs to:
• plan forest protection and use, including mapping and analysis
of past, present, and future forest use;
• educate and train communities, First Nations, forestry practitioners,
and forest land managers in the principles and skills of ecosystem-based
conservation and stewardship;
• assist small forest operations to meet ecosystem-based stewardship
standards and work towards Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification;
and
• provide mentoring in ecosystem-based stewardship to communities,
forest managers, and First Nations. |
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Vital riparian
vegetation ensures a healthy river and a healthy forest—Fraser
River. |
Biodiversity
reserve in Rod Blake's certified woodlot near 150 Mile House, B.C. |
Klahoose First
Nation and Cortes Ecoforestry Society work for ecosystem-based forestry. |
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A
Vision for the Future: The Silva Forest Foundation
is working for profound social changes—changes that will take
time. We have woven a strong program designed to achieve our mission
of implementing ecosystem-based conservation and stewardship in
the forests of British Columbia and across all of Canada. Our work
is unique in that we work through communities to protect ecosystems
and to maintain healthy, diverse local economies. Those who join
us in this work are investing in the long-term future of rural and
First Nations communities, and of forests. |
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