01 | In Summary

Great Bear Rainforest

The survival of the spirit bear and other unique wildlife is at risk while protection of the Great Bear Rainforest remains incomplete and revenue sources that fund existing protection dry up. Mounting concern, particularly from First Nations, suggests the whole conservation framework and what has already been protected is at stake.

Environmental groups in British Columbia, Canada, are deeply concerned about the province’s failure to protect the Great Bear Rainforest, a critical ecosystem under threat.

The 2016 Great Bear Rainforest agreement, signed by the former BC Liberal government, First Nations, forest companies, and environmental organizations, aimed to safeguard this expansive region from the Discovery Islands to the Alaska panhandle. Spanning 6.4 million hectares, with over half covered by ancient forests, this pristine wilderness is a habitat for diverse species and holds cultural significance for local communities.

While progress has been made in designating approximately 85 percent of the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest as off-limits to logging, concerns persist regarding the remaining unprotected areas. The reserve plans for these regions, particularly in the most vulnerable parts of the rainforest, were due for completion two years ago. Yet, the province still needs to provide a clear strategy for its protection.

In addition to the immediate threat of logging, in March of 2023, the Cedar LNG facility, expected to produce about 3 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas a year, was approved. For Haisla Nation elders the “one of the greatest examples of economic reconciliation” and “historic.” For others, including members of the Gitga’at Nation, their “home” is now, more than ever, feeling the pressure of development.

Furthermore, the revenue sources that fund the existing protection of the Great Bear Rainforest are already smaller than expected as “carbon offset” sales, a primary source of funding, remain low. In short, the whole conservation framework built over the last ten years is at risk, say some experts.

Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and other climate-related factors compound the challenges of protecting this delicate ecosystem. These changes could have severe implications for the spirit bear and other species dependent on the intact rainforest for survival.

Ensuring the ecological health and resilience of the Great Bear Rainforest requires urgent attention and protection for the remaining 1.5 million hectares, equivalent to half the size of Vancouver Island. Swift development of reserve plans for these areas is crucial.

Neglecting this task would jeopardize the survival of the spirit bear and other wildlife and undermine the province’s commitment to address climate change and protect this globally significant ecosystem.

Keywords: British Columbia, Canada; Climate crisis; culture; Great Bear Rainforest; Indigenous

02 | Photography

Aerial view of the Kitimat River. As of this writing, it is understood that BC has approved the Cedar LNG export facility in Kitimat, a project that is majority-owned by Haisla Nation, but one that is drawing attention from many environmentalists concerned about the long-term conservation status of the surrounding forest. Kitimat-Stikine, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit bear, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Ma'ah," wades through a river looking for spawning salmon. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
Two coastal wolves (Canis lupus) cross the bay at low tide to shorten their travel route to a nearby island. On these voyages, these "rain wolves" forage on marine life, which might be as much as 90% of their diet. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
Chris Stewart of the Gitga'at First Nation stands near a salmon river. Stewart is from the local village of Hartley Bay and works as a bear guide for visiting tourists hoping to glance a white bear. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit bear, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Ma'ah," watches for passing fish at a salmon spawning river. Her name is the Tsimshian word that local guiding legend, Marven Robinson, used for his own grandmother. Some say she is the matriarch of the area—the oldest known spirit bear in the Great Bear Rainforest. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit bear, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Ma'ah," crosses rocks in a river looking for passing salmon, while a black bear (Ursus americanus) fishes in the background. According to previously published data, black-coated bears are only successful at catching a fish 1/4 of the time, while white-coated bears do so at a rate of 1/3 of the time, given them an advantage that reseachers say is related to their white fur. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit bear, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Ma'ah," wades through a river looking for spawning salmon. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit bear, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Ma'ah," wades through a river looking for spawning salmon. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A spirit bear, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Warrior," wades through a river looking for spawning salmon. The kermode bear is neither albino or polar bear, but rather the white fur is formed from a recessive mutation of the MC1R gene. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Strawberry," catches a pink, or humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female/male spirit, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Ma'ah," devours a pink, or humpback salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha), the smallest and most abundant of the Pacific salmon. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A male spirit, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Boss," devours a salmon. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A female spirit, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Strawberry," feeds scraps of fish to her cub, "Blackberry," near a salmon spanwing river. Researchers have confirmed that two bears with black coats can produce a white-coated cub if both mother and father have a recessive trait for Kermodism. Kermodism is produced by a recessive mutation at the MC1R gene and this white fur phenotype occurs only in approximately 1 of 40 to 100 black bears on the BC coast. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A male spirit, or kermode bear (Ursus americanus kermodei), known as "Boss," watches for fish in a salmon spawning river. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
Deforestation near Kitimat. British Columbia, Canada.
Aerial view of the village of Hartley Bay. The Gitga’at First Nation is based in Txalgiuw (Hartley Bay) where the community has existed for millennia in the lands and waters of the area. Approximately 130 members currently live in Hartley Bay with other members residing in other BC cities such as Prince Rupert, Terrace, Vancouver Island, and Vancouver. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada. Other: Gitk’a’ata Territory is the ceremonial and political foundation of the GFN. Historically, the nation has had very close ties to the lands and waters of our territory. An example of this is seasonal food gathering where members who live elsewhere return home to join their family for harvest. Within our territory, several sites are spiritually enriched by the traces of ancestors. These locations include petroglyphs, burial sites, shell middens, culturally modified trees, and other important historical and/or archaeological sites. An important part of Gitga’at culture is connecting with our ancestors and cultural heritage, and these sites are one way to do that. For governance and administration, the Nation has a fully elected band council, but the foundation of social and ceremonial power in the community is derived from customary structure. This is based around the Sm’ooygyet (Real Person) who represents three clans or crest groups: Gispudwada, (Blackfish or Killer Whale), Laxsgiik (Eagle), and Ganhada (Raven). Upholding traditional values is important, and the Nation does everything possible to protect and celebrate our culture.
A coastal wolf (Canis lupus) uses low tide to forage. Animals including crabs, clams, barnacles, and other marine life can be found in tide pool. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.
A coastal wolf (Canis lupus) crosses the bay at low tide to shorten its travel route. Smaller than the mainland wolves, these "rain wolves" forage on marine life, which might be as much as 90% of their diet. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada.