Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The purpose of our project is to achieve the deferral and eventual permanent protection of at-risk old-growth forests in the temperate rainforests of British Columbia. The Ancient Forest Alliance has campaigned for over a decade for the protection of the most productive, carbon-rich old-growth forests. Indigenous involvement and leadership is necessary for this initiative, as these forests are almost all on unceded indigenous territory. Our work focuses on working directly with indigenous communities to provide support to overcome barriers to protection in their territories (this includes financial support to provide capacity and stewardship funds, technical support in mapping at-risk old-growth, as well as assisting with the development of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) proposals). We also pressure the provincial government to create the enabling circumstances (ie. conservation funding) that would help indigenous communities protect all at-risk old-growth forests.

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How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

Removes/stores GHGs (e.g., projects that capture, sequester, or otherwise enhance the "sinks" that accumulate and store GHGs)

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Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Indigenous peoples have been disproportionately excluded from participating in the mainstream economy and often displaced from lands when it comes to protected areas. Our work aims to ensure the conservation of these endangered old-growth forests is Indigenous-led, brings power and decision-making back into the hands of Indigenous communities, and provides viable, sustainable economic alternatives for these communities to thrive. Indigenous-led conservation can include the establishment and management of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and guardians programs to steward and monitor activities on the land.

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Mission Statement:

The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is a Canadian registered not-for-profit society founded in 2010 by Ken Wu and TJ Watt. The AFA works to protect old-growth forests in British Columbia for endangered species, tourism, First Nations cultures, climate, clean water, and wild salmon, as well as works to ensure a sustainable, value-added second-growth forest industry. We emphasize research, education, and mobilizing the public and key stakeholders. The project‚ specific region of operation is across British Columbia on unceded indigenous territories, particularly focusing on at-risk old-growth forests.