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Backgrounders

Boreal Leadership Council Members

The Boreal Leadership Council, first convened in December 2003, is comprised of various conservation groups, First Nations and resource companies, all of which have an interest and a stake in the future of Canada's Boreal Forest.

As signatories to the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework, members of the Council are committed to a national vision and agree to take action in their own spheres of activity. The national vision articulated in the Framework calls for the establishment of a network of large interconnected protected areas covering about half of the country's Boreal Forest and the use of leading-edge sustainable development practices in remaining areas. The Framework enjoys a broad base of support and was endorsed in May 2007 by more than 1,500 scientists from around the world.

Canada's Boreal Forest is one of the largest remaining unspoiled ecosystems on earth. Its 6 million km2 (1.4 billion acres) harbor an abundance of Canada's signature wildlife, vast freshwater resources, some of the world's richest deposits of natural resources, and are home to more than 4 million people–including many First Nations communities. The Council's goal is to ensure that this Canadian treasure is managed to the highest possible standard so that its riches will continue to benefit humanity in perpetuity.

The Canadian Boreal Initiative is the national convener and secretariat of the Boreal Leadership Council. CBI works with Council members to expand Framework endorsement in a variety of sectors; generate on-the-ground examples of the Framework principles in action; and create opportunities for governments to become engaged and active participants.

Click here for a full list of BLC partners, along with descriptions.