‘Urgent crossroads’: 3-year anniversary of B.C. old-growth commitments, groups calling out province
Global News
According to a number of organizations, none of the 14 recommendations have been fulfilled, while old-growth trees continue to be logged.
Environmental activists and Indigenous leaders are once again calling out the provincial government on unmet commitments regarding B.C. old-growth forests.
Monday marked the third anniversary of the B.C. NDP’s commitment to implement 14 recommendations made in the 2020 Old Growth Strategic Review (OSGR).
According to a number of organizations, none of the 14 recommendations have been fulfilled, while old-growth trees continue to be logged.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), Sierra Club BC, Wilderness Committee and Stand.earth are calling on the B.C. government to make up for years of delays and further loss of threatened old growth. They want to the province to fast-track the implementation of all 14 recommendations from the OGSR, including immediate logging deferrals for the most at-risk old-growth forests.
“We are at an urgent crossroads amidst the rampant wildfires that have destroyed many communities in B.C. this year and many more are still rebuilding from previous wildfires,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, the UBCIC’s president.
“The sheer number of forests that we have lost to the climate crisis already, is devastating. The B.C. government cannot ignore this any longer; stop logging our old-growth trees and help us start rebuilding in an ethically and environmentally friendly manner.
“The OGSR recommendations are merely a stepping stone; we must go above and beyond. At this rate, there will be nothing left for our children. Stop putting profit and votes over people and get to work on saving our land, water, and air.”
The three-year anniversary comes during an unprecedented drought and wildfire season, which has burned more than 2.2 million hectares of land and forests.