The Provincial Forest Advisory Council (“PFAC”) was established to comprehensively review BC’s forests. In this submission, WCEL recommended that PFAC clearly identify in its final report to government that a new Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health (“BEH”) law be enacted to give effect to the paradigm shift set out in the Old Growth Strategic Review Report and BC’s subsequent Old Growth Action Plan and Draft BEH Framework (collectively “Policy Reports”). These Policy Reports provide guidance on legally establishing BEH as a priority in government decision-making across resource sectors, including forestry.
The recommendations detailed in WCEL’s submission to PFAC demonstrate that the enactment of a new BEH law will facilitate a transition to a more sustainable forest management system by addressing many of the current impediments (i.e., land use issues) identified in PFAC’s interim report.