The Earth’s ForestsThe Earth’s Forests

27% of the Earth’s land surface is forest (3.4 billion ha)

Russia has the largest concentration (942 million ha) – Most of it is Boreal Forest

50% of the world’s forests are in Brazil, USA, Canada and Russia

Classified as Temperate, Boreal or Tropical

Forest Use 60 millionworkers

Pulp and paper

Food

Fuel, oil, medicinal plant, furniture

Scientific knowledge of forests has meant forest issues have now transcended political boundaries and are becoming a priority in international debates

Deforestation has been a topic of concern since the 1970’s and by 1990 it was recognized as a symptom of the conflict between human needs and the environment

Since Canada’s forests are a benefit to more than Canadians (air & water quality, pulp & paper) other nations want Canada to nurture our forests to provide benefits into the future

Canada also relies heavily on exporting wood and other countries have powerful means of encouraging good stewardship

Forests in CanadaForests in Canada

94% of Canada’s forests are publicly owned (Crown land)

71% provincial23% Federal6% Private But in the Maritimes

the majority are private

Forest Management in CanadaForest Management in Canada Forest management in Canada is up to

the Province Each province and territory has its own

legislation, policies and regulations to govern forest activities within its boundaries

Federal government oversees Yukon’s forest

But 94% of Canada’s forest’s are on Crownland… its public land.

The Facts: Forests are the biggest contributor to

Canada’s trade1 in 15 jobs in this country is related to

wood/paper products60% of the world’s forests have

declined since the industrial revolution In North America, 64 million ha was

cleared between 1860-1978But since 1900 forest in the US have

increased In Canada, 1 million ha per year were

harvested between 1979 & 1997This number is now decreasing

“

~ Prime Minister~ Prime MinisterSir John A. MacDonald Sir John A. MacDonald 18711871

“We are recklessly destroying the timber of Canada, and there is scarcely the possibility of replacing it.”

Today the biggest threats to Canada’s Forest are: Insects Fires