Canada's quest for forest sustainability: Options, obstacles and opportunities

Abstract

In summary, what I have attempted to do is move our thinking about natural resource management beyond the paradigm that has characterized Canadian forestry for the last half century one that for very understandable reasons viewed the forest as a raw fibre resource that could be utilized to stimulate economic development in rural areas, create employment and wealth, and position Canada as a major world trader in forest products. But in recent times, we have become aware that sustainability is the imperative that must guide our activities in future. And as that translates into more protected forests and reduced wood supplies in some areas, the challenge is to find new ways to create wealth and employment in rural areas without compromising the health and productivity of the forest. This is not a plea to replace our traditional emphasis on further management; it is a plea to diversify our approaches to forest management, so that we can supplement income and revenue from timber management, so that we can create new and expanded employment opportunities for people in rural areas, and so we can contribute to the economic and social security of the 350 resource-dependent communities across Canada. Doug Little had a positive attitude when he said 'If we use our forests well, we can provide wealth now and in the future. It's exciting for foresters to renew these forests in the way society requires.' Of course renewal in the way society requires is changing. But the concept of sustainable forestry provides a new framework for renewal and management one that invites diverse approaches to meet the goals of economic, social and environmental sustainability. The concept offers a range of opportunities, many of which Canada is largely ignoring. There are also several obstacles of a rather fundamental nature, especially in the area of organizational structures and delivery mechanisms for natural resource management. But none of them is insurmountable and in fact, I believe they pose a very exciting challenge to all of us. I don't often yearn to be young again, but I have to say that the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as Canada moves progressively towards sustainable forestry make me wish I had the knowledge, the skills and the energy that young resource managers have today. Certainly, the diversity of opportunities and the intellectual challenge of forestry today are much greater than when I graduated 35 years ago; there really is no comparison. I hope that all of you involved in managing Canada's forests will emulate Doug Little's positive and constructive attitude and contribute to Canada's quest for forest sustainability.