Meet some of Canada’s leaders in the forest bioeconomy
Among the leaders in the bioeconomy are entrepreneurial pioneers who have set out to find local solutions to global problems. Here are three examples of Canadian entrepreneurs who are developing innovative bio-based solutions.
Successful Indigenous-industry partnerships in the forest sector: The People of the Seafoam
The forests on the 163,000 terrestrial hectares of Pacheedaht First Nation territory contain fir, hemlock, red cedar, yellow cedar and other tree species that the Pacheedaht people have valued and used for thousands of years. Just ten years ago the forested area was entirely allocated through forest tenures and licence areas to third parties. None of these were held by the Pacheedaht. Since then, the Nation has forged ahead with proactive changes.
Collaboration in the complex case of the woodland caribou
While provincial and territorial governments finalize range plans for the woodland caribou, diverse groups of Canadians are contributing to caribou management through research and conservation.
Forest schools started in Sweden and Denmark in the 1950s. Using nature as a classroom, youth are encouraged to engage in open-ended play to enhance curiosity, teamwork and problem solving skills. Proponents of forest schools, also called nature schools, say that youth show greater self-confidence, concentration and motivation, skills that benefit academic performance.