Habitat collaborates with WWF-Canada to define and map Canada's primary forests

Habitat 's mandate for WWF-Canada

Habitat was commissioned by WWF-Canada to review current knowledge of primary forests, with the aim of proposing a clear, coherent definition that could be applied across Canada.

Primary forests play an essential role in regulating the climate and preserving biodiversity. As carbon sinks and refuges for a wealth of flora and fauna, they are crucial to the world's ecological balance.

However, definitions of what constitutes a primary forest vary considerably from one source to another. This lack of scientific consensus complicates their precise identification and limits the implementation of effective protection measures at federal level.

Recognition of such ecosystems is therefore necessary to support conservation and protection efforts. This exercise, for example, makes it possible to locate and quantify primary forests in Canada, and to determine where the most critical areas are. A clear definition also makes it easier to raise awareness and communicate the importance and value of these ecosystems.

The mission entrusted to Habitat was to develop a definition that :

• Based on the criteria most frequently cited in the scientific literature;

• Be operational, i.e. usable for mapping using data available in Canada.

Definition of primary forest

Forests with at least 5% canopy cover, of any age class, composed of naturally regenerated native species, subject to natural ecological processes and natural forest disturbance dynamics, which have not been recently affected by human disturbance or use, with the exception of traditional land use.

The rest of the project

To accompany this definition, Habitat has developed a geospatial workflow for mapping these primary forests on a national scale. The proposed workflow has been retained by WWF-Canada, which is continuing the project and whose definition is currently being used in the Canadian government's reflection process. To support WWF-Canada in its participation in this process and in the next stages of the project, Habitat is working closely with the NPO's professional team, contributing its scientific and technological expertise.

Habitat for NPOs' scientific expertise

TheHabitat team supports public bodies and NPOs in drawing up action plans and implementing innovative nature protection projects.

Comprising specialists in ecology, climate change, forestry, land-use planning, biodiversity analysis and technological development, the team is at the crossroads of scientific research and field action.

Using advanced technological tools and the latest scientific knowledge, Habitat contributes to a better understanding and enhancement of ecosystems, and proposes concrete solutions to major environmental challenges, such as the current project with WWF-Canada.

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