2023 R15 – Protection of Old-Growth Forests

Whereas climate change and the planetary biodiversity crisis are real and, old-growth forests have significant economic, social and environmental value as wildlife habitat, tourism resources, carbon sinks and are vital sites for biodiversity in British Columbia and becoming increasingly rare in the province;

And whereas the Province’s independent panel on old growth forests called on government to “Declare conservation of ecosystem health and biodiversity of British Columbia’s forests as an overarching priority and enact legislation that legally establishes this priority for all sectors.” (A New Future for Old Forests: A Strategic Review of How British Columbia Manages for Old Forests Within its Ancient Ecosystems):

Therefore be it resolved that the Province engage and consult with local governments and First Nations as it moves forward to implement the 14 recommendations within the Old Growth Review, recognizing that there will be significant impacts and implications for workers and communities that will require economic transition support.