Environment Minister Mary Polak announced British Columbia is the first Canadian jurisdiction committed to joining the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF) – a unique subnational collaboration between 29 states and provinces from Brazil, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Spain and the United States.

By first participating as an observer to the GCF, B.C. will work with members to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation while helping to build the credibility of forest carbon programs on a global scale, demonstrating these programs can be done rigorously while enhancing the preservation of forests both at home and around the world.

First Nations also play an important role in some of B.C.’s leading offset projects. First Nations in B.C. can now use the GCF as a tool to collaborate internationally with other Aboriginal communities and take a leadership role to protect forests and the global climate system.

British Columbia’s forests cover roughly 55 million hectares of land, an area larger than the entire land mass of Spain and represent approximately seven billion tonnes of carbon in above-ground biomass.

Quotes:

Mary Polak, Minister of Environment –

“B.C. shares the interests of the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force in ensuring forests are sustainably managed and emissions from deforestation are minimized on a global level.”

“Our government is committed to effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions and this partnership gives us another tool to add to our comprehensive forest carbon inventory system and the development of our robust Forest Carbon Offset Protocol.”

Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Operations –

“Joining the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force presents a great opportunity for B.C. to share our learnings, demonstrate best practices and build support for forest projects both at home and around the world.”

Learn More:

Follow Minister of Environment Mary Polak’s COP 21 activities on Twitter: @maryforbc or click here: www.env.gov.bc.ca/main/cop

To learn more about COP 21, visit: http://cop21paris.org

Learn more about B.C.’s climate actions at: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/climate-change