NS Supports Initiatives for Sustainable Forests

NATURAL RESOURCES-NS Supports Initiatives for Sustainable Forests

Nova Scotia supports the initiatives dealing with sustainable forest management and competitiveness of the forest sector announced Monday, Aug. 14, at the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) in Iqaluit.

"We have been working on a number of initiatives in Nova Scotia to ensure that our forests are sustainable, including the new forest strategy and the integrated resource management strategy for Crown lands," said Natural Resources Minister Ernest Fage in Iqaluit.

The issues dealt with by the ministers at the meeting include a commitment to hold discussions with stakeholders on options for managing the forests sustainably and creating an environment that attracts investment in our forest resources.

"These commitments will ensure that Nova Scotians continue to enjoy the many benefits and good quality of life that our forests provide," said Mr. Fage.

The CCFM also released the Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management - National Status 2000 report, that indicates Canada's forests are healthy.

"Our forests provide many environmental, economic and social benefits for all Nova Scotians," said Mr. Fage. "The report shows that we are committed to our forests and their long term sustainability."

Another initiative supported by Mr. Fage and his provincial counterparts includes developing a system that provides access to forest information in a timely and accurate manner. This system will include data gathered from government departments and agencies, as well as non-government organizations and industry.

Development of certification systems was another issue supported by the ministers.

"Although accomplishments have been made in forest certification systems, there is a need to accelerate the development and implementation of standards," said Mr. Fage. "We will look at various options, while taking into consideration the regional diversity of Canada's forests and the various systems already under development.

Nova Scotia is scheduled to host the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers in 2002.