With new conservancies covering 760 square kilometers, the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations are reshaping old-growth conservation efforts in British Columbia.

In June 2024, the Ahousaht and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, in collaboration with the British Columbia government, established ten new conservancies protecting 760 square kilometers of old-growth forests in Clayoquot Sound – an ecologically rich region on Vancouver Island, home to trees that are a thousand years old!

As reported by the Narwal (Kwetasel’wet, 2024), this initiative nearly doubles the amount of protected old-growth in the area and includes parts of Meares Islands, covering nearly 62% (or approximately 1,639 square kilometers) of Clayoquot Sound. Despite the fact that these ecosystems play a critical role in water management, carbon storage, and fire resilience – not to mention the deep cultural significance for First Nations communities, old-growth has been extensively logged on Vancouver Island (and across the province) since the 1990’s. These lands in particular represent a long-standing conflict, as the site of British Columbia’s “War in the Woods,” and will now be safeguarded to ensure their permanent protection, and to preserve and enhance the ecological integrity.

The new conservancies represent a major milestone containing some of the very last remaining old-growth on the Island, and are part of the largest intact temperate rainforest on Earth. This story also brings attention to a much larger ongoing struggle across Canada between environmental protection, Indigenous reconciliation, and economic interests. Despite these positive strides, local leaders emphasize that these newly established conservancies are just the beginning – especially in securing full Indigenous Title and financial support. Without full official recognition, challenges remain as the land is considered Crown land by the province, limiting the decision making powers of the Indigenous communities.

As past governments have long displaced Indigenous knowledge, stewardship, and management, it has become increasingly clear that sustainable forestry alternatives are needed to undo years worth of environmentally-damaging policies. This story is not just one which highlights the significance of conservation lands, but it is also about integrating diverse knowledge systems and Indigenous leadership, rethinking our economic dependencies, and challenging outdated land management policies. If Clayoquot Sound is to serve as a model for sustainable forestry and reconciliation, what happens next will depend on whether governments, industries and the public provide necessary support, resources, and legal recognition to ensure that these Indigenous-led conservation efforts succeed.

Like what you’re reading? Sign up for NET’s mailing list to receive updates on all things biodiversity.