Boreal Summit Report 20I5

Boreal Summit Report 20I5

Ministers Message The Boreal Summit represents the first step in a journey. It is a call for further discussion, and a call for action. Collaboration, conviction and courage will be required to visualize and implement the many changes needed for long-term prosperity, while we maintain the environmental integrity of our North. Government wants and needs to lead toward sustainability, and we invite business, Indigenous communities and all Manitobans to join us in this exciting journey. Minister Tom Nevakshonoff Minister Eric Robinson 2

Boreal Strategy Discussion Begins The Boreal Summit was held in The Pas on February 17, 2015, and was hosted by Manitoba s departments of Conservation and Water Stewardship, and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs. The summit presented an opportunity for people to come together and talk about what the boreal region means to them. Manitoba has begun discussion with people who live in the boreal region to determine what their vision and goals are for a vibrant and prosperous future. Our first step was to invite participation in this discussion and to promote awareness among all Manitobans about the importance of the boreal region. Participants at the summit included representatives from business, industry, non-government organizations, municipal, provincial and federal governments and representation from Indigenous groups and communities. This has given the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship Department a starting place to carry forward ideas and lead the development of the Boreal Strategy. The next step is to use the information that was provided at the summit and work towards a Manitoba-made approach to a Boreal Strategy. There are many initiatives both within and outside of Manitoba that also need to be considered as the strategy is developed. For instance, Manitoba has announced an engagement process to get feedback from northern residents on a new strategy, the Opportunities North Strategy, which will focus on economic development and sustainable principles. This document discusses some of the major themes that were offered by summit participants. These themes will be presented in the past, present and future contexts that summit participants portrayed. The links between the past, present and future connect the lessons we have learned so far to what needs to be addressed to accomplish our goals. The Boreal region is all living things and every opportunity. Participant Feedback 3

What is the boreal region in Manitoba? The Canadian boreal region is the world s largest intact terrestrial ecosystem. It stretches across the country and covers almost 90 per cent of Manitoba, including all of northern Manitoba. Canada s boreal region contains a significant portion of the world s surface freshwater and is the largest intact forest remaining on the planet, representing a quarter of the world s remaining original forest. The boreal region is an important habitat for many wildlife species, including billions of migratory birds and some of the world s largest populations of wolves, bears, moose and caribou. The boreal region is also environmentally significant because it provides many valuable ecological goods and services. More than 186 billion tonnes of carbon are stored in the Canadian boreal region s trees, soil, water and peat. This means that conservation of the boreal region is equivalent to storing over 900 years of Canada s greenhouse gas emissions. In Manitoba, the boreal region covers 570,000 square kilometres (140 million acres) and includes five eco-zones: Boreal Plains, Boreal Shield, Taiga Shield, Hudson Plains and Southern Arctic. If Manitoba s boreal region were its own country, it would be larger than places like Spain, Sweden and Japan. Impressively, the majority of this region remains highly intact and free of industrial development. 4

Resource development has accelerated because of market demand. Over the past decade, the government has encouraged development of northern Manitoba and many government initiatives are already focused on the area. Projects currently underway or being developed in Manitoba s boreal region include oil and gas projects, logging, mining, hydroelectric developments and the development and maintenance of the necessary infrastructure that will contribute to services for northern residents. At the same time, the scientific community has continued to emphasize the important role Canada s boreal region plays in reducing the effects of climate change and global warming. Across Canada, interest in the boreal is high, as governments recognize the vast economic potential of their boreal regions, while also acknowledging the need to conserve and protect the area. Manitoba isn t the only province working on a northern strategy. Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as the federal government, are all at various stages in the development of their own northern strategies. Northern Manitoba is home to more than 81,000 people and represents both modern and traditional lifestyles, where industry and businesses operate alongside activities such as fishing and trapping. The boreal is a region of people, forest, land, wildlife and water. It is an area to be protected and an area with resources to be used. These statements are not mutually exclusive. Many summit participants indicated that the boreal region has much to offer, especially when managed in a sustainable way. In his opening comments at the summit, the Minister of Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship used the term Blue Forest Prosperity, referring to the social benefits, and the environmental and economic interests of the region. We are now approaching a critical juncture where: - technologies and innovation are offering new options for conservation and stewardship - interest in partnerships and shared decision making is high - development requires more integrated planning that balances many interests under the umbrella of a single strategy Multiple tools and perspectives will ensure the boreal is protected with all its valuable ecosystem services. It will also reduce conflicts on the landscape and provide a clear path forward for economic growth. Four themes were developed from the feedback and conversation at the boreal summit. 1. Striving for balance between economic development, environmental protection and societal values 2. Fostering new relationships, partnerships and shared decision making 3. Certainly through good planning: governance that promotes communication and collaboration 4. Framework for future planning: a shared vision 5

Themes Heard at the Summit: 1 Striving for balance between economic development, environmental protection and societal values Balance means creating a more in-depth understanding of traditional knowledge, data and land and water use to support and inform a long-term sustainable model. Sustainable development describes a complex balance, designed to maintain the integrity of the boreal region by protecting the environment, while at the same time, harnessing opportunities in training, jobs, resources and economic development. Past planning for the boreal region has focused on single goals. A singular focus may limit the ability to understand the full impact and potential in a larger, inter-connected ecosystem. It may also lead us to overlook interests or values people have about water and land. Our increased knowledge of the region s water and land and the interests of its people have made us more aware of how important the boreal region is, and what needs to be considered in a balanced approach. We are fortunate that Manitoba s boreal region is relatively undisturbed. This allows us to: apply new approaches on a go forward basis carefully assess the benefits and impacts of resource use consider the cumulative impacts in advance and apply the cautionary principle address climate change mitigation and adaptation The future balance of values, achieved through careful water and land use planning, takes all interests into account, and will take the cooperation of all concerned parties. It is not an easy task and will require the intertwining of all themes heard at the summit in order to be achieved. 6

2 Fostering new relationships and partnerships and shared decision making Industry needs to continue to work on a concept of social licence, a measurable process that indicates resource extraction is not without community knowledge, awareness and presentation of benefits from resource use. The stronger the involvement and partnership with local communities, the higher social licence rating that is awarded. Past relationships, despite good intentions, have not always been well informed, and have failed to build the trust required for a meaningful relationship. It is essential to make decisions based on research, data and traditional knowledge. While participants reminded the forum of past obstacles between environmental conservation and economic development, they also brought to mind existing opportunities and current land use for communities that approach development in a way that respects the environment. The objective is not to forget the past, but to learn from it. The boreal region is home to people who want to be involved in decisions and benefit from the region s services and resources. We can look to past examples of respectful and informed practices to guide us in building effective relationships. The current interest in partnership and communication can help create a clear and meaningful vision and determine the roles that people can play. The future promises a stable process where relationships and partnerships thrive, and where all parties are part of decision making in a respectful way. At the summit, the concept of an accord or agreement between the government and people of Manitoba was raised. That accord or agreement would outline principles and value statements that all can agree on, and could generate certainty and stability for business, communities, governments and First Nations. It could also enable a paradigm shift, going beyond consultation and negotiation to collaboration and shared decision making. Partnership roles of Aboriginal communities, industry, and Federal and Provincial government will be intertwined and unique: Aboriginal communities have a role in training and investing in people and strengthening relationships with government and industry. Balance can be found in sharing knowledge as stewards of the land and finding collaborative options that meet the needs of their communities. Local Government, commerce and industry will have a role in coordination of training and investment. They can lead by example in terms of sustainable development and building relationships with communities. Balance can be found in all stages of development by sharing the costs and benefits of economic opportunity, social wealth, and environmental stability. Federal and Provincial Governments will have a role in coordination of information and research and continuing to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal people. A balance can be found in new initiatives and building on existing strategies. Participant Feedback 7

3 Certainty through good planning: governance that promotes communication and collaboration Many participants talked about how important certainty is to ensure community stability, business development and long-term environmental health. The Thompson Aboriginal Accord, committing the city of Thompson to strengthen its relationship with Aboriginal governments and people in and around the Thompson region, was given as an example of a method of finding common goals among interested groups and establishing a platform for collaborative decision making. Participants also discussed the need to assess cumulative effects of activity in the boreal region, to gain a clearer understanding of long-term decision making. Planning has continued to improve. It now involves more traditional teachings and understanding of land use, and recognizes Elders as resources. This respect for their knowledge encourages an awareness of the past and helps take positive steps forward. The Thompson Aboriginal Accord, Manitoba s Boreal Woodland Caribou Recovery Strategy, Resource Management Board structures, Pimachiowin Aki and UNESCO process and The Lake Friendly Accord are examples of tools that express principles that will inform the boreal strategy. These bodies of work can contribute to the concept of an overall framework for the boreal region. The fact that we are assessing cumulative effects is helping to better inform our long-term planning. The broad and complex planning process we are undertaking will help to work out a common language and a common understanding of the boreal region. The people who live in the boreal and the Manitobans who benefit from it will have better knowledge of the boreal region. All parties will have an understanding of opportunities and limitations, based on increasing knowledge of the boreal region. It will promote shared understanding and will be the catalyst for making it easier to work together and agree on next steps. 8

4 Framework for future planning: a shared vision Working together, collaboration, partnership, relationship building and communication were all words used interchangeably during the Boreal Summit. These describe the need for a shared vision in planning for the boreal region. In the past, many planning considerations have been focused on portions of the boreal or single license decisions. We are learning how important interconnected parts of the boreal are and that all perspectives need to contribute to a shared vision. We need to apply integrated planning to encompass the boreal as a whole, rather than the sum of its parts. We currently have formal land and water use planning mechanisms that need to be expanded and adapted to apply to the boreal region, taking into account its changing climate, relationships, economy, understanding and expectations. Meaningful consultation remains an important part of formal land use planning, so that all parties have a clear understanding of the steps being planned and taken and the effects of those steps. Our future goal is a Boreal Strategy that considers all perspectives and interests, and all challenges and opportunities. A shared vision surrounds a common language and a common understanding. Decisions are inclusive, informed, meaningful and timely. The Boreal Strategy will work to provide consistency, benefits and a balanced approach. This word cloud reflects participants key discussions. 9

Summary We must keep in mind that this Boreal Summit and resulting report make up the first step of many toward the development of a Boreal Strategy. To this point, we have heard the themes as outlined in this document regarding balance, relationships, governance and vision. Please let us know what you think by answering the following questions: 1. Are there themes or statements you would add? 2. Are there comments or concepts missing? 3. What do you think is important to include in Manitoba s Boreal Strategy? If you or your organization would like to further discuss or have additional information provided, contact us at: boreal@gov.mb.ca 10

Next Steps The Boreal Summit Report is a start to the conversation; to bring together ideas that will be shared in our journey to develop a Boreal Strategy. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship will distribute this conversation starter to summit participants and Manitobans through our website. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship will use this information and any feedback received to begin formulating guiding values and principles for the Boreal Strategy. This will serve as a framework for the development of clear goals and objectives. Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship will serve as a facilitator in the development of the Boreal Strategy, and that strategy will be created through collaboration. Engagement of Manitobans and partners is important, and this summit was the beginning step in our engagement process in our collective journey. Thank you to all summit participants and we look forward to more people getting involved. Provincial Update on Boreal Initiatives since the Summit Peat Management Manitoba has proclaimed a new act to govern peat harvesting to better protect the environment, provide certainty for industry and to engage local communities. Legislation reflects the provincial Peatlands Stewardship Strategy. Water Quality The Lake Winnipeg Foundation and the Provinces of Alberta and Ontario have joined Manitoba s Lake Friendly Alliance to address water quality issues by signing the Lake Friendly Accord. Species Protection Manitoba is the first province in Canada to designate ecosystems as endangered, in an effort to protect species at-risk that rely on certain habitats found within these ecosystems. Land Use Agreement Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and Manitoba renewed a 20-year joint management agreement for OCN s traditional territory. Forest Management The Boreal Summit confirmed the need to proactively involve stakeholders, especially Aboriginal communities, in planning and renewal of our Boreal Forests. This resulting shift is expected to promote early engagement by all in the development of long-term forest management plans. 11

2015