HA11 Life-Cycle Assessment Closing Session
C120-122
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Thursday
() Growth to limits -- the sustainable development of natural resources, with emphasis on Canada's forests.
Emmett, B,
ABSTRACT- Forests supply essential resources for the economies of 350 resource-dependent communities across Canada and contribute 3.5% of Canada's GNP. Forests also provide significant environmental, recreational, spiritual and social benefits. The forest resource is not simply the natural wealth that nature gave to Canada. It is a forest transformed by human ingenuity in a democratic society with an inclusive decision-making process. Forest values and forest products have created natural and economic wealth that serve our 21st century economy, while still providing a common heritage to the world, a home for wildlife, and the foundation of our own cultural heritage. In an increasingly globalized world economy, the challenge of managing our forest resources and environment continues to grow in complexity. The demands placed on our knowledge base and expertise to remain competitive in the world economy and fulfill our environmental and social responsibilities are constantly expanding, bringing new disciplines into play. Canada working within a global scientific community possesses an additional resource that can help it meet these challenges; the intellect, adaptability, and creativity of its citizens. Harnessing Canadian creativity and talent across a broad range of disciplines in order to increase the value of the forest is the central underlying reason for forest research in Canada and at the Canadian Forest Service (CFS). We are using good science, good management, and good governance, effectively to multiply the power of human creativity to transform our economy and society (and that of the world). By focusing on the transformative power of human ingenuity, society can increase the value of our resources over time rather than be constrained by their limits. The Government of Canada, through Natural Resources Canada-CFS, is committed to the pursuit of sustainable development and the development of Canadian scientific and technological capabilities and the development of widely acceptable and efficient methods of making private and societal decisions internationally and domestically. Demonstrating civil society in action and improving technology are essential to maintaining our competitive position in the world economy.
Key words: Sustainable development, forests, Canada, increasing value