Forest Biodiversity Value
Last updated on April 10, 2024The Interim Assessment Protocol for Forest Biodiversity in British Columbia describes an approach to estimate the effects of landscape change and modification on biodiversity and will provide indicators to compare landscape condition to existing guidance, policy and legal targets.
Modifications to this protocol or alternate assessment methods may also be used to generate cumulative effects assessment reports for forest biodiversity.
To learn more about the forest biodiversity value and how it is assessed under the CEF, read the Forest Biodiversity Infographic (PDF, 1MB).
Assessment Reports
Current Condition Reports and Cumulative Effects Assessment and Management Reports produced under the Cumulative Effects Framework aim to provide decision-support for the management of forest biodiversity in British Columbia. Reports will be provided here as they become available.
Kootenay-Boundary Region:
Forest Biodiversity Infographic
To learn more about the forest biodiversity value and how it is assessed under the CEF, read the Forest Biodiversity Infographic (PDF, 1MB).
Rationale for Selection as a Cumulative Effects Framework Value
Forests cover almost two-thirds of British Columbia. Forested ecosystems and the diversity of life within these forests, ‘forest biodiversity’, provides ecosystem functions and services that are essential to human well-being. Maintaining or conserving forest biodiversity is an important management objective for British Columbians.
As biodiversity continues to be lost due to human and natural disturbances, the associated changes may threaten ecosystem processes and services that humans rely on for well-being. Efforts to conserve forest biodiversity involve a ‘balance’ between what is perceived to be ecologically appropriate to conserve biodiversity and what is socially desirable in terms of economic benefits from the forest. To assess whether the balance of biodiversity conservation and socio-economic development is being achieved, governments, stakeholders, natural resource decision-makers and the public require information on the combined effects of land uses activities and natural disturbances on forest biodiversity.