Because forests dominate the boreal landscape, the zone is often referred to as the boreal forest in North America or the taiga in Russia. Mainly covered with cold-hardy pine, spruce, larch, poplar, fir and birch forests, the boreal zone also contains lakes, rivers and wetlands. It features naturally treeless areas as well, including alpine areas on mountains, heathlands in areas near the coasts and grasslands in drier areas.
In Canada the boreal zone stretches across the country’s north, from Yukon and northern British Columbia in the west to Newfoundland and Labrador in the east. About 30% of the world’s boreal zone lies within Canada.
More than 2.5 million people live in Canada’s boreal zone. Many of the rural and remote communities there rely heavily on the forests for jobs and economic stability. Canada’s Aboriginal peoples still look to the forests for their livelihood and their cultural and spiritual sustenance. Boreal forests, lakes and rivers also offer unique and abundant recreational opportunities.
Canada has a vital interest in managing its forests sustainably.
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento