British Columbia is Canada’s most biologically diverse province

Forests cover over 60% of British Columbia’s (B.C.’s) land base of 95 million hectares and contain the most ecological diversity of any region in Canada. As one of the most forested regions in the world with nearly zero deforestation, B.C. is recognized as a leader in sustainable forest management.
Due to its diversity of ecosystems and topography, B.C. is home to a large variety of regionally, nationally and globally significant species and, therefore, is heavily engaged in research and conservation efforts. For example, B.C. works alongside the Canadian government on biodiversity commitments, including continued action under Canada’s Species at Risk Act. Additionally, Canada is a signatory to five major international biodiversity agreements and the first industrialized country to ratify the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
Photo credit: Moresby Creative
B.C.’s biogeoclimatic zones
B.C.’s Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification System (external link) uses information about vegetation and animals (“Bio”), soils and landforms (“Geo”) and climate conditions (“Climatic”) to classify any site across the province into one of 14 zones, as well as many more subzones and variants. This understanding of the interactions between climate, soils and expected vegetation that can be supported helps resource managers and scientists understand the potential outcomes associated with natural and human impacts and make better resource management decisions.
Graphic credit: O’Neill, Gregory & Gómez-Pineda, Erika. (2021). Local was best: sourcing tree seed for future climates. Canadian Journal of Forest Research. 51. 10.1139/cjfr-2020-0408

Facilitating responsible water stewardship

Water plays a crucial role in ecosystem health. Human activities, such as logging and tourism, as well as natural pest and fire disturbances in B.C.’s forests, can affect water quality, putting the health of humans, aquatic life, wildlife, livestock and plants at risk. Water management in B.C.’s forestry sector is guided by the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). This legislation safeguards water quality, fish habitat, aquatic ecosystem biodiversity and watershed health, ensuring sustainable forestry practices. In addition to FRPA, abidance to laws protecting drinking water, wildlife and Indigenous heritage is also enforced. This is supported by a rigorous inspection system led by the Ministry of Forests, the Ministry of Environment and Parks and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resources Stewardship. Audits are conducted by an independent Forest Practices Board to ensure compliance and assess practices over time.
Supporting healthy ecosystems and resilient forests
B.C.’s forests are biologically diverse, including young and old trees, which support plant communities that provide habitat for thousands of species. As such, different types of forests are better suited for certain uses. Government, First Nations and industry are working together to manage these forests to achieve multiple environmental, social and economic benefits on behalf of local communities. Collaborative processes such as Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) set objectives for how forests will be used for water, wildlife, timber, recreation and cultural practices. Policies and legislative tools aim to keep forests resilient, healthy, productive and adaptable to everchanging climatic conditions.

Old growth forests are ecologically important

Old growth forests support a diverse range of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms. They contribute to biodiversity, water stewardship, carbon storage and ecosystem resilience through their intricate habitats, effective water management, long-term carbon accumulation and developed adaptability. They also hold particular significance to First Nations and the public, whether for biological, spiritual, aesthetic, economic or cultural values. As such, most of the old growth in B.C.—more than 9 million hectares—is already protected or not economical to harvest. The B.C. government and First Nations are jointly working to protect additional old growth forests which are at most risk of biodiversity loss, based on the current mapping and data available.
Photo credit: Diego Sanchez