August 27, 2007
The lungs of the planet
Re: Boreal beauty in city (Aug. 24). I’m thrilled to see the boreal forest celebrated in such a stunning way at The Forks. It’s a great reminder of the importance of Manitoba’s boreal forests and why we need to protect them.
The boreal forest is the world’s largest source of fresh water and is deemed the “northern lungs of the planet.” As the largest single land storehouse of carbon, it also plays an important role in regulating global climate. The boreal is also home to many First Nations and a plethora of wildlife including the threatened woodland caribou. Given that 25 per cent of the Earth’s remaining intact forests are in Canada, we have a huge responsibility to ensure big wild places continue to flourish as an essential part of the Earth’s life support system.
It’s high time the Manitoba government lives up to its promises to protect large tracts of our boreal forests. Now is a good occasion for everyone’s voice to be heard about whether this conservation opportunity will be lost to short-term industrial developments or whether we take a big step toward a healthy future for Manitoba and the Earth. Premier Doer can be contacted at [email protected] or 945-3714.
RON THIESSEN
Executive Director
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Manitoba chapter