As north-central BC struggles to cope with the mountain pine beetle infestation, the UNBC School of Environmental Planning is hosting a conference to consider how the region can more effectively plan for its own stability.

Titled Livelihoods and Ecosystems: Dealing with Complexity in the Forest of Central Interior BC, the conference will bring together close to 50 industry professionals, researchers, and government officials to discuss effective resource management policies.

“For years, we’ve talked about the health of our forest industry and the people of northern BC,” says Planning professor David Connell. “It’s now appropriate that we think about the trade-offs and contradictions we face in planning for a healthy future.”

Speakers will include experts in the field:

- Jon O’Riordan, a former deputy minister in Sustainable Resource Management

- Bob Clark, the provincial bark beetle coordinator for the Ministry of Forests

- David Rapport, a researcher who co-developed the Forest Capital Index, a method for governments to assess changes in forest ecosystem health at the national or regional level.

The UNBC workshop is part of a series of seven workshops, five of which will be held in Canada and two in Africa.  The purpose of the workshop is to assist the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to advance its rural development policy. “It will be a mutual learning environment,” Connell explains. “North-central BC benefits from CIDA’s expertise and CIDA will learn from us about dealing with the mountain pine beetle.” The workshop at UNBC is an example of how sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem health can be used to understand both domestic and international issues.

The conference will take place at UNBC on May 17 and 18.  There will be two public presentations.  On Tuesday evening, O’Riordan and Clark will discuss policy options when dealing with the mountain pine beetle.  On Wednesday evening, Rapport will discuss the present and future prospects of implementing ‘ecosystem health’ programs.

David Connell, Environmental Planning professor, UNBC – 250.960.5835

or Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622