The Great Bear Rainforest is a global treasure that covers 6.4 million hectares on British Columbia’s north and central coast – equivalent in size to Ireland. All British Columbians have a stake in protecting it. The historic agreement that secures the future of the Great Bear Rainforest means more old- and second-growth forest will be … Continued
Klemtu © Charlie Short In the recent past, the north coast and central coast communities depended primarily on logging and fishing industries. Today, the economy is becoming more diversified, with a focus on tourism and other sectors. Approximately 18,000 people live in the Great Bear Rainforest. Bella Coola, Bella Bella, Ocean Falls, Wuikinuxv, Shearwater, Klemtu, … Continued
Integrating social and economic considerations into eco-system-based management includes the following components: Interaction with all stakeholders and decision makers to develop their awareness of the key components of, and relationships between, economic, social and ecological systems. Analysis of current levels of social wellbeing, economic health and ecological integrity within communities and the management area. Development … Continued
Observe and connect with the ancient and remote wonderland that is B.C.’s Great Bear Rainforest. This is the weather cam on West Beach of Calvert Island, provided by Hakai.org, that updates every few minutes during daylight hours. NEXT: Visit this Amazing Place
As a leader in sustainable forest management, B.C. manages ecological integrity and human well-being in the globally unique Great Bear Rainforest through ecosystem-based management (EBM). The collaboration among First Nations, the Government of B.C., environmental groups and forest companies has resulted in protecting 85% of the area’s forests, while providing jobs for First Nations, and … Continued
One third of the Great Bear Rainforest is fully protected in parks and conservation areas with about 9% of the total area (about 15% of forested area) available for timber harvesting in the managed forest. The managed forest comprises 550,000 hectares (1.36 million acres) where harvesting decisions of old growth and second-growth trees are guided … Continued
North Coast and Central Coast Connections between the land, the sea and the people are valued, studied and routinely monitored in B.C. Close to the announcement of the Great Bear Rainforest Agreement, the Province of British Columbia and 17 First Nations completed four marine plans that complement the ecosystem-based management approach as used on land. … Continued
Stretching for more than 250 miles along the coast of British Columbia, the 21-million-acre wilderness of the Great Bear Rainforest is sometimes called the Amazon of the North. The vast, sodden land encompasses 1,000-year-old cedars, waterfalls spouting off the sides of moss-covered mountains, granite-dark waters and glacier-cut fjords. The land, sea and waterways are integrated … Continued
Dean Channel © Charlie Short People along the coast depend on healthy ecosystems, both on land and in the ocean, for their livelihoods as well as for recreation and cultural activities. At the same time, people and industry – transportation, logging, fishing, urban development, agriculture – put pressure on the surrounding ecosystems. This pressure is greatest … Continued
© Charlie Short Smart planning is necessary for managing ecosystems, sustaining communities and encouraging consumers to make choices that benefit the environment. The need for collaboration is significant for the Great Bear Rainforest because the coastal population is growing rapidly: by 2025, population is projected to increase by 29%, which is almost one million people. … Continued
The North Coast and Central Coast regions of B.C. are unique because of the highly diverse plant, animal, and marine life and the equally diverse geography and climate.
The Great Bear Rainforest has become a popular destination for travelers seeking first-hand views of the region’s stunning landscapes, waterways and array of wildlife.
Learn about the rich diversity of marine life, mammals, birds, plants and trees that make B.C's Great Bear Rainforest their home and contribute to the natural beauty of the region.
