Clayoquot Sound

Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Clayoquot Sound’s globally rare temperate rainforests are awe-inspiring dynamic ecosystems. Three-quarters of Vancouver Island’s ancient forest has already been logged. Clayoquot Sound houses the largest tract of ancient forest remaining on the Island. Clayoquot’s forests store more carbon per hectare than almost any other forest on earth.

Clayoquot Sound made Canadian history in the early 90s when hundreds were arrested in a civil disobedience action aimed at protecting this ancient temperate rainforest from clear-cut logging. Since then, Clayoquot has become known around the world as a model for conservation and a test area for economic activities that don’t undermine the environment. In 2000, it became B.C.’s first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Yet little progress has been made in securing legislated protection for Clayoquot’s ancient forests and in advancing the title, rights and community aspirations of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations of the area. Now, with few economic alternatives in sight, logging once again threatens the 60,000 hectares of Clayoquot’s remaining intact rainforest valleys that are still unprotected.

Securing a Future for the Forests and People of Clayoquot Sound

Sierra Club BC and our partners in the Clayoquot Sound Conservation Alliance seek to work collaboratively with First Nations toward lasting conservation solutions for Clayoquot Sound’s remaining ancient rainforest valleys. The approach involves  developing conservation financing for First Nation communities’ economic initiatives, along with agreements to protect the 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) of unlogged rainforest valleys within First Nations’ traditional territories. Conservation financing raised would be used by the First Nations to create alternative and sustainable economic opportunities.

We support a new conservation model that protects Clayoquot’s ancient rainforest while offering a sustainable, diverse economic future for the region’s people. Together, with vision and determination, we can build an environmentally and socially just future in Clayoquot Sound.