Local Forest Company Invited to World Forestry Congress

10 September 2003

Ucluelet ---Iisaak Forest Resources will participate in the XII World Forestry Congress, as the world forestry community gathers in Quebec City this September 21st to 28th. Organized under the sponsorship of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the event is held every six years and is the largest and most important international meeting of the world's forestry sector, attracting 5000 participants from 160 countries. Members of government, scientific communities, non-government organizations (NGOs), and industry, interested in sustainable forestry development, meet to explore innovation in the forest sector and set the direction for development of policies, practice, research, and international cooperation.

Iisaak has also been invited to participate in the Indigenous Peoples' Forest Forum: Activities and Events at the World Forestry Congress, September 19 to 21. Natural Resources Canada and the National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA) have invited Iisaak to share it's experiences in the application of aboriginal values to forest management. Presentations and discussions at this forum will be focused at developing an Indigenous vision on Sustainable Forest Management and at establishing pre-requisites to forestry policy, institutional arrangements, and the accommodation of Indigenous Rights. Iisaak General Manager, Gary Johnsen said "It's an opportunity to showcase the progress made by the Central Region First Nations in obtaining some control over the management of the forest within their traditional territory."

At the heart of the Congress, an Exhibition will showcase specific initiatives, technologies and innovations related to management, conservation and development of forest resources. Iisaak will have several displays including a booth in the exhibition and a display in the Aboriginal People's Pavilion. "Iisaak's participation in the exhibition will be excellent exposure, and an opportunity to develop contacts and potential clients for this young, developing company," said Iisaak Director Matthew Lucas.