Proposed Protected Areas
The government of Nova Scotia has made a legal commitment to protect 20% of Nova Scotia’s lands and waters by 2030. To do this they will need to add 330,000 hectares to protected areas in the next 7 years. Fortunately there is more than enough publicly owned land to do this and still have ample crown land available for forestry and other uses.
In August and September 2023 the public had an opportunity to provide input and feedback through an online survey. The results of the survey, and ongoing discussions with Mi'kmaw partners will be incorporated into the Collaborative Protected Areas Strategy by the end of 2023. According to the government of Nova Scotia the "Strategy will mark the beginning of our process to achieve our goal by 2030".
It is fine for the government to take its time deciding which forests will receive permanent protection. They need to make thoughtful decisions based on science, Indigenous consultation and public input.
We are not opposed to all forestry. We are opposed to logging forests that should be protected.
But without a pause on logging in old forests, what will be left to protect?