Support Healthy, Thriving, Resilient Forests

What’s in a forest? Trees, of course, but forests comprise a variety of habitats that nurture biodiversity – the complex relationship between everything under the soil and everything above the ground – a critical indicator of ecosystem health.

“When we look at how ecosystems are functioning, whether it’s forests, grasslands or wetlands, we often evaluate different measures of biodiversity to determine whether the landscape is healthy,” says Forests Canada CEO Jess Kaknevicius, noting that increasing habitat to support biodiversity is a priority for the national charity dedicated to conserving, restoring and growing Canada’s forests to sustain life and communities.

Forests Canada (formerly Forests Ontario) considers all aspects of restoration, from seed collection to tree survival, explains Ms. Kaknevicius, adding this approach ensures genetic diversity, identifies climate-adapted species and enhances landscape connectivity for wildlife.

“Connected landscapes are critical for countless ecosystem benefits, including water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, improved biodiversity and ecosystem resilience,” says Ms. Kaknevicius. “Through our restoration efforts, we look for ways to increase landscape connectivity and improve the quality of these areas to support healthy, thriving and resilient forests now, and for future generations.”

While forest fires, invasive species and development all put forests at risk, initiatives like GivingTuesday present opportunities for everyone to contribute to nature-based solutions.

“Collectively in Canada, we have an environmental ethic and connection to nature where people are looking for ways to be a part of the solution,” says Ms. Kaknevicius.

Inviting people to support Forests Canada on GivingTuesday enables the charity to focus on the exciting evolution of its work across the country and to connect with all Canadians to support tree planting initiatives, interactive education programs and community outreach.

Corporations can also play an important role in supporting nature-based solutions by collaborating with charities like Forests Canada to deliver high-quality restoration projects that contribute to local economies and community wellbeing. "Private investment will continue to be critical in our efforts to restore and manage forested landscapes across Canada," says Ms. Kaknevicius. “Whether its by donating to tree planting programs and finding ways to improve landscape connectivity or by advocating for healthy ecosystems in and beyond their local communities, everyone can make a show of support for our natural world.”

By the Numbers

46.5 million | The number of trees planted through Forests Canada (formerly Forests Ontario) programs since 2007.

8,000+ | The number of successful forest restoration projects delivered across 10 provinces to date.

200+ million | The number of viable seeds collected and managed to ensure trees for future planting projects.

900,000 | The hectares of connected forested landscapes Forests Canada planting programs contributed to.

17 | The number of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, all of which are contributed to by different aspects of diverse, resilient forested landscapes.

A variation of this article first appeared as part of the GivingTuesday Report in the December 3, 2024 The Globe and Mail, produced by Randall Anthony Communications.