27 October 2019

The Future of BC’s Ancient Forests

Community & Causes, Media, News, Photo Galleries

Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future:
A Reflection on ‘The Future of BC’s Ancient Forests’ Event

On October 10th, an event of particular significance took place – ‘The Future of BC’s Ancient Forests.’ Hosted by the Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA), this gathering brought together passionate individuals, environmentalists, policymakers, and experts to discuss the pressing issues surrounding the preservation of British Columbia’s rare and endangered old-growth forests. The evening was filled with enlightening presentations, compelling discussions, and a shared commitment to safeguarding the invaluable natural heritage that these ancient forests represent.

The Speakers

TJ Watt and Andrea Inness from the AFA took the stage to set the tone for the evening. The audience was introduced to the critical social, cultural, political, and environmental challenges intertwined with the continued loss of BC’s old-growth forests and in particular, the Fairy Creek Watershed. It was made apparent that the fate of these ancient forests not only impacts their immediate ecosystems but also reverberates deeply with the livelihoods of the coastal communities and First Nations cultures that rely on them.

Two prominent figures, deliver insightful presentations. Their talks highlighted the urgent need for protective measures to preserve BC’s old-growth forests and emphasized current opportunities for policy change. Through a gut-wrenching display of TJ’s before-and-after photos, along with compelling data and personal anecdotes, they shed light on the magnitude of the issue and inspired attendees to take action in safeguarding these majestic forests for generations to come.

The event alo featured esteemed guest speakers from various facets of the ancient forest conservation movement. Dr. Andy MacKinnon, a distinguished Forest Ecologist, brought his expertise to the stage. His profound understanding of the ecological significance of old-growth forests illuminated the audience about the unique role these forests play in maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance.

Tyson Atleo, representing The Nature Conservancy, provided an insightful perspective on various cultural and economic impacts of conservation. He shared about his longstanding family history protecting our coastal forests and explored sustainable economic development models that could coexist harmoniously with old-growth forest protection, ensuring that local communities thrive while respecting the sanctity of these ancient ecosystems.

Interactive Q&A Panel

One of the highlights of the event was the interactive Q&A panel discussion, where both in-person and online audiences had the rare opportunity to pose questions to the expert panel. With thanks to the Stream of Consciousness livestream, our non-local guests were able to join in on the conversation, and together delve deeper into the intricacies of ancient forest conservation, its challenges, and potential solutions. The engagement and passion exhibited by the participants in studio AND online further underscored the significance of the cause and the community’s dedication to preserving BC’s ancient forests.

Moving Forward

‘The Future of BC’s Ancient Forests’ event was a resounding success, not only in raising awareness but also in fostering a sense of collective responsibility to protect these vital natural treasures. The knowledge shared by experts and the insights from community members ignited a renewed determination to create a sustainable future for BC’s old-growth forests.

It’s very clear that the journey to safeguard BC’s ancient forests is ongoing, and in some cases, moving backwards. By supporting organizations like Ancient Forest Alliance, we can ensure a brighter future for these ancient ecosystems, the diverse species that inhabit them, and the communities and cultures that depend on their existence.