Benefit Sharing and the Boreal Forest: Insights from case studies examining resource management and governance

Forests are a major source of wealth for Canadians, providing a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits that are critical to the Canadian economy.

The Canadian boreal forest accounts for 28 per cent of the world’s boreal/taiga forest systems, and is central to the country’s natural environment, culture and economy.

At present, the region remains largely undeveloped. However, the search for resources—coupled with technological advances—is likely to create both increased pressures and opportunities in the region. 

Fostering sustainable growth and development that benefits communities and their environment for the long term requires strong science and economics, and an integration of ecological, cultural and social needs and values. 

In this paper, we explore case studies from across the globe of forest management models and determine their ability to successfully maintain ecological and cultural services in areas of resource growth.