Intact temperate rainforests, such as Clayoquot Sound, are globally rare. Coastal temperate rainforests cover only about one-fifth of one percent of the earth’s land area and are among the rarest and most biologically productive temperate ecosystems in the world. Scientists have called Clayoquot Sound the most magnificent expression of temperate rainforest in North America. Here, where ancient forest meets ocean, the estuaries and tidal zones also contain some of the world’s greatest coastal marine-life diversity.
Spruce Grove in Clayoquot - Photo by Mark Hobson
On a global scale, more than half of the world’s original temperate rainforests have been destroyed. In British Columbia, more than half of the productive rainforest has been logged. Protection of BC’s remaining intact rainforest is therefore an urgent conservation priority.
In a regional context, Clayoquot Sound’s forest is doubly significant because of the scale of development elsewhere on Vancouver Island, where three-quarters of the ancient productive rainforest has been clearcut logged. Clayoquot Sound contains the largest intact forest left on the Island - a biologically rich and vulnerable ecosystem. Forty-five endangered, threatened or vulnerable animal species live in Clayoquot’s undisturbed wilderness. Some of these animals have never seen a human or been forced to cross a road. Clayoquot’s intact forest valleys offer the native wildlife of Vancouver Island the best chance to survive and thrive into the future.
Clearcut by Interfor in Clayoquot
However, the current protected areas in Clayoquot Sound are mostly too small and fragmented to sustain viable populations of all native species. Although Clayoquot Sound has been an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2000, about three-quarters of Clayoquot’s productive ancient rainforest is still not protected and is open to logging.
Given the ecological importance of Clayoquot Sound, both global and regional, it is critical that Clayoquot’s ancient forest be protected to preserve the biodiversity and health of this rare and irreplaceable ecosystem.
Intact ecosystems, such as Clayoquot Sound, provide innumerable services essential to life, including clean air, clean water, soil retention, wildlife habitat, and weather and climate regulation. It is increasingly recognized that the health of the global environment, and therefore our health, depends on these intact ecosystems.
Canada, which contains a significant proportion of the world's remaining forests, and is sparsely populated and prosperous, has been identified by the United Nations as having one of the best opportunities globally to conserve intact forests.
Let’s do it – protect Clayoquot Sound's ancient temperate rainforest! Keep Clayoquot Wild!
Friends of Clayoquot Sound
PO Box 489, 331 Neill St., Tofino BC V0R 2Z0
Tel: 250-725-4218 Fax: 250-725-2527
Email: info@focs.ca
About Clayoquot Sound
Map - Where is Clayoquot Sound?
Clayoquot Sound World Biosphere Reserve
What is a Temperate Rainforest?
Amazing Facts About Temperate Rainforests!
Photo Gallery: Beautiful Clayoquot Sound
Photo by Adrian Dorst
The health of the global environment depends on intact ecosystems. It is our responsibility to act as peaceful and courageous advocates for marine and terrestrial life in Clayoquot Sound. Join us!
