The purpose of the Joint Solutions Project (JSP) is to reduce conflict, collaborate to implement ecosystem-based management and constructively engage with other stakeholders involved in implementing the consensus land use agreements for the Central and North Coast region of British Columbia.

It began as an alliance between a group of forest products producers and environmental groups interested in exploring ways to end the market-based conflict between them over the forests in this area – referred to as the “Great Bear Rainforest” by environmental groups.

Starting in January 2000, the initiative began to explore common ground and the opportunity for innovative solutions to resolve the issues between two traditional adversaries. In the past five years the JSP:

  • Worked with other interests in the region to complete land use plans for the Central and North Coast;
  • Assisted in, and supported, the development of an ecosystem-based management framework to guide resource management in the Central and North Coast; and
  • Collaborated on the voluntary implementation of new ecosystem-based management elements.

While the producers and environmental groups participating in the JSP do not agree on everything, they do agree on enough to work together on specific issues. When it comes to BC’s Central and North Coast they agree that:

  • This ecosystem is ecologically significant in a local, regional and global context;
  • Ecosystem-based management will provide the basis for forest conservation and harvesting in the region;
  • The social and economic impacts of change must be equitably addressed and respect the interests of all affected parties as well as the need for community wellbeing;
  • New approaches to investment and economic opportunities for conservation and ecosystem-based management of coastal forests can help create benefits for everyone involved; and
  • Everyone who benefits from forests in the region needs to contribute to the solution.

Looking Forward

With the delivery of consensus recommendations establishing a protected areas system and mandating ecosystem-based management in the Central and North Coast, the role of the JSP has changed. Implementation of ecosystem-based management practices will take several years, and the JSP remains active in the implementation process providing resources and expertise to help the transition to new forest practices.