Maple syrup is one of Canada’s most iconic sweet treats, loved for its unique flavour and natural origin. However,...
The Canadian boreal forest
The Canadian boreal forest has one of the best-preserved ecosystems in the world. With a rich and unparalleled biodiversity, it currently constitutes 28 % intact forests on the planet. The boreal zone plays a vital role in Canada's economy, as it contains abundant natural resources, creating thousands of jobs. Between conservation, tourism and the economy, here's what you need to know about Canada's boreal forest.
Geographic location of the Canadian boreal forest
Canada's boreal forest, also known as the blue forest and the North American boreal zone, is a territory that stretches over 1,000 km. Famous for its ecosystem of lakes, rivers and wetlands, the Canadian boreal forest extends from the Yukon to northern British Columbia, including Newfoundland and Labrador.
This forest area is home to about a hundred species of trees. It is mainly made up of spruce, pine, tamarack and fir. It also has a large reserve of fresh water. Currently, about 10 % of the Canadian boreal forest is under legal protection against resource exploitation processes. The Canadian boreal forest is also home to the largest freshwater lake on the planet, Lake Superior. In addition, it is home to Great Bear Lake, considered the purest source of water in the world, with no traces of eutrophication or contamination. Finally, the presence of the St. Lawrence Basin, the Mackenzie River Basin, the Yukon River Basin, James Bay, and Hudson Bay make the Canadian boreal zone a majestic territory.
The inhabitants of the Canadian boreal forest
Canada enjoys a very important cultural diversity. It should be noted that 70 % Indigenous peoples of the country live in the forest regions. For centuries, this community has contributed greatly to the preservation of the region.
The indigenous population of the Canadian boreal region is formed by the community of First Nations, the Métis group and the Inuit people. Today, the "Native Canadians" are spread across the four corners of the Blue Forest and generally live off what nature offers them. Indeed, according to customs and traditions, the natives live mainly from hunting and fishing. Freshwater fish remain the staple food of this community.
The Canadian Boreal Forest: A Unique Biodiversity
The Canadian boreal forest has the richest water resource on the planet. It provides essential eco-services for indigenous people and communities, but also for animals. Indeed, purity is in the spotlight across the many water systems in the area. This is mainly due to a low rate of pollutants of human origin. It is worth noting that among the 50 largest rivers in the world, 10 % of them are located in the Canadian boreal zone.
The Canadian boreal forest is home to many undammed watercourses. These feed several oceans, contributing directly to the well-being of the world's population. Over time, the eco-services offered by Canada's boreal zone have a considerable impact on environmental protection. Indeed, the vast network of large lakes and wetlands in the boreal forest effectively reduces the effects of global warming. In addition, the sediments stored in the lakes and deltas of the blue forest produce the largest amount of terrestrial carbon in the world.
Varied wildlife species
With an area of 270 million hectares, the Canadian boreal forest has a perfectly preserved biodiversity. It is home to countless wildlife species including:
- More than 300 species of birds: Canada's boreal forest is essential to the survival of North America's land, shore and water birds. The Nature Conservancy of Canada estimates that nearly 3 billion birds breed there each year;
- More than 80 species of mammals: Canada's boreal region is a natural refuge where many animals live in the wild, such as the wood bison, moose, black bear, elk, Canada lynx, wolf, beaver, red squirrel and snowshoe hare;
- Many populations of reptiles and amphibians: there are several species of amphibians such as frogs and salamanders as well as many varieties of reptiles such as lizards, turtles and snakes.
- 130 species of fish: The large lakes of the Canadian boreal forest are inhabited by different species of fish such as pike, burbot, yellow perch and walleye.
Moreover, the Canadian boreal forest is the territory of the woodland caribou, the country's national emblem. These deer live mainly in herds.
Boreal forest at the heart of Canada's economy
While it represents a territory rich in natural resources, the boreal forest also has enormous tourist assets. This type of activity contributes greatly to Canada's economy, particularly thanks to the growth of maritime transport in the region. The development of tourism in the boreal forest is therefore a major issue, since it promotes job creation for both Canadians and the Aboriginal population.
The Canadian economy is largely based on the rational exploitation of natural resources. Wood-based products (construction materials, paper, furniture, etc.), essential to the daily lives of Canadians, come in particular from the boreal forest. The private sector is thus omnipresent in the boreal region. Many mining, gas and oil companies contribute greatly to the creation of direct or indirect jobs. Indeed, extraction industries have been active in the region for over 200 years. The same is true for pharmaceutical companies that produce medicines from boreal plants. Thus, more than 900,000 jobs were created in 2004 thanks to economic activities in the boreal forest. In the same year, exports brought in nearly $20 billion to Canada's GDP.
How to access the boreal forest?
The Canadian boreal forest is difficult to access by land, due to the strong presence of wooded swamps and marshes. Despite the presence of some passable circuits, the indigenous community of the boreal region travels mainly by sea, particularly via the waterways of the St. Lawrence and the Mackenzie River. Indeed, the boreal forest is crossed by interconnected lakes as well as a particularly vast network of rivers. The supply of food and equipment is thus facilitated. Maritime transport is thus the main means of locomotion to access the boreal forest of Canada. You can access it in different ways: by boat, seaplane and other modern boats. In all cases, a unique experience awaits you there.
Related posts
icon
Free shipping
For orders over 99 €
icon
International Shipping
Tax and customs included
icon
Customer service 7/7
Quick response to your requests
icon
Secure payment
Safe purchase guarantee
Leave a comment
Log in to post comments