Domestic Policy Focus Highly Important For Protecting Primary Forests

A critical focus on domestic policy is more effective for protecting primary forests, particularly in developed countries that hold significant portions of these ecosystems. Canada's Boreal Forest region, encompassing 25% of the world's remaining primary forest and storing vast carbon reserves, exemplifies this approach. Over the past 15 years, Canada has established over 870,000 km² of new protected areas, with indigenous governments leading innovative land-use planning efforts, such as protecting 30,000 km² within Pimachiowin Aki. Similarly, Australia's indigenous ranger programs have expanded Indigenous Protected Areas from 568 km² in 1998 to 500,347 km² by 2014. While international agreements play a role, domestic policies—particularly those involving provincial and indigenous governments—are driving substantial on-the-ground conservation outcomes.

Wells, J., Schindler, D., Pimm, S., Courtois, V., Smith, K., Schaefer, J., Jacobs, J., & Raven, P. (2015). Domestic Policy Focus Highly Important For Protecting Primary Forests. Conservation Letters, 8(2), 148–149. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/conl.12165