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Top 10 Stories of 2014: Images/Maps/Captions for Media
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George River caribou herd, Quebec
Credit: Valerie Courtois
Aurora borealis in Quebec
Credit: Valerie Courtois
Taku River watershed, BC
Credit: David Nunuk
Oscar Lake, NWT
Credit: Ducks Unlimited
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1. Growing Forest Protection
Tursujuq National Park, Quebec
Credit: Josée Brunelle, KRG
Example caption: Newly added protected areas (including Tursujuq National Park, pictured here) have bumped up the level of boreal forest protection to at least 708,000 km²—an area larger than France. More protected areas could be in sight for 2014, and large land-use plans in northern boreal regions of Ontario and Quebec could eventually see this figure rise dramatically.
2. The Weather
Calgary flood of 2013
Credit: Ryan L.C. Quan via Wikimedia Commons
Example Caption: Wacky weather is and will continue to be a common theme in both Canada and around the globe. Protecting the deep carbon stores within Canada's boreal forest—equivalent to nearly 300 years' worth of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions—is now more important than ever for making sure that climate change doesn't worsen even further.
3. The World is Watching
Net forest loss and gains around the world
Credit: Department of Geographical Sciences, University of Maryland
Example Caption: From reports about Canada's biodiversity hotspots and large-scale conservation planning to high-tech satellite mapping projects (pictured here) and recurring themes at international conservation assemblies, the world is increasingly focusing on the Canadian Boreal Forest and the globally significant values it contains. Will more major international players step up in 2014?
4. First Nations Stewardship
Cree children picking wild blueberries in Quebec
Credit: Natasha Moine
Example Caption: No people have a richer connection to the boreal forest than the First Nations who have lived off of the forest for millennia. 2013 saw several First Nations have their land-use plans formalized or treaty rights upheld, but many more still face uncertainty. 2014 will be a crucial year for the numerous First Nations whose official sovereignty status over traditional territory remains in limbo.
5. The Northwest Territories: Devolution
Thaidene Nene proposed protected area, NWT
Credit: Jason Charlwood
Example Caption: The Northwest Territories is in the process of Devolution, which will see the territory gain more sovereignty over how to manage their lands. Numerous areas are currently under interim—or temporary—protection (including Thaidene Nene, pictured here). 2014 will be a crucial year in seeing whether years of efforts will be rewarded with finalized, permanent protected status.
6. Manitoba and Pimachiowin Aki
Pimachiowin Aki in Manitoba
Credit: Jeff Wells
Example Caption: After a decade of work, the Pimachiowin Aki Corporation officially announced their bid to become a World Heritage Site in 2013. Although approval was initially delayed due to a flaw in the WHS nomination process, UNESCO felt so compelled they are actually planning on changing their own wording to fix the issue. A second bid is expected to come in 2014.
7. Northern Quebec
George River caribou herd in Northern Quebec
Credit: Valerie Courtois
Example Caption: When announced, the Plan Nord—which would protect half of Quebec's north—was viewed as a globally historic event. However, a change in party majority has put this monumental plan in uncertain waters. 2014 will be a big test for the Parti Québécois in navigating this noble and monumental commitment, as eyes around the world will certainly be watching.
8. Northern Alberta: Not Just the Oilsands
Coal slurry spills into the Athabasca River in Alberta
Credit: Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development
Example Caption: The oilsands continue to dominate the news when it comes to Alberta. However, there is much more happening in the province despite receiving less attention. From the billion-litre coal slurry leak to a report that found Alberta's woodland caribou herds contain almost no intact habitat remaining, 2014 may see an expanded focus on the province beyond its oilsands region.
9. The Ring of Fire
Ontario's Ring of Fire
Credit: Global Forest Watch Canada/Genevieve Margherio
Example Caption: Perhaps no region within the boreal better defines "case study" than Ontario's Ring of Fire region. The deep chromite deposits have attracted major mining interest, but resident First Nations are concerned about environmental impacts and community benefits. How the province handles the need for balance in this contentious region could prove to be either a model to follow or one to avoid.
10. Mining
Abandoned gold mine in NW British Columbia
Credit: Michael Fay
Example Caption: Mining is an important part of Canada's economy, but also contains its fair share of controversy. A 2013 court case in Yukon set a historic precedent by stating a First Nation's rights had been violated by the existing free-entry system, which previously allowed virtually anyone to stake claims anywhere with few exceptions. Will a ripple effect take place in decisions elsewhere in 2014?
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