The dramatic images of the deforestation of vetustte forests of cedaries (despite being protected)

Between 2020 and 2022, in the watershed of Caycuse, located in the territory of Ditidaht onVancouver islandimages have been captured that show unequivocally The impact of the deforestation of the old forests. The photographs posted on social networks by TJ Watt Documentano Red cedar trees, high and imposing, demolished by the Teal-Jones company. Once fallen, these giants of nature disappear forever, leaving behind a distorted landscape.

The documentation of these losses was a difficult task, both from a technical and emotional point of view. However, making threats that still loom on ancient forests visible is essential for raise public awareness and push towards a legislative action that can protect them definitively. Only through a direct comparison between the first and after of deforestation is it possible to fully understand the seriousness of the situation and the irreversibility of the damage caused to the ecosystem.

The trees demolished before the prohibition entered into force

Many of the trees immortalized in these images had been classified as priority specimens to be protectedaccording to the criteria established by the Technical Advisory Panel, an independent scientific committee commissioned by the Government of British Columbia. Despite these recommendations, however, numerous trees they were demolished before an effective prohibition of deforestation could enter into force. In some cases, the deforestation took place a few months before the official approval of the protection measures; In others, the process of postponing the cut has not been implemented in time to safeguard the forests.

In 2021, the provincial government announced its intention to adopt the recommendations of the Technical Advisory Panel, proposing the temporary suspension of deforestation of 2.6 million of hectares of high -risk venest forests but the actual implementation of these measures has remained partial and incomplete. To date, less than half of the identified areas It has actually been protected, while many others continue to be deforested.

One of the main obstacles to the full implementation of the postponements was the lack of funding by the Province to support the first local nations in the decision -making process. Without adequate resources, the indigenous communities, thus allowing the continuation of the demolition of centuries -old trees. All this despite the protection of old forests is an urgent and indispensable question.