Sustainable Economic Development in Saskatchewan's Forests

In 1999, the Saskatchewan Government announced a planned doubling of the provincial forestry industry in order to generate economic development in the north. This raises concerns about the well-documented potential environmental impacts of clearcutting which include: reduced biodiversity, loss or alteration of wildlife habitat, soil modification and reduced water quality.

Now, more than ever, it is time to seriously consider generating forest-based economic development in northern areas that provides long-term economic, community and environmental sustainability. The gathering of non-timber forest products and the development of the ecotourism industry are two such opportunities.

Non-timber forest products

The development of the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector may provide several benefits, including local employment, opportunities for better resource stewardship and fuller use of the forest land base. In a non-commercial sense, the value of NTFPs to local individuals and communities is substantial, as they provide a variety of foods, medicinal products, craft materials, fuels, and building materials. For more information on NTFP’s see our fact sheet, Non-Timber Forest Products: Economic Development While Sustaining Our Northern Forests (PDF).

SES has also developed a web page of information and resources on NTFPs for Saskatchewan entrepreneurs and communities who are interested in exploring the economic and community development potential of NTFPs.

Ecotourism

As tourism takes its place as the world’s largest industry, ecotourism is its fastest growing sector, with estimates of annual growth from 10% to 30%. Ecotourism provides an up-and-coming economic development opportunity for areas with natural beauty and cultural uniqueness. By its nature, ecotourism maintains intact ecosystems and as a result may provide longer-lasting economic opportunities than extraction industries which remove part of the system. For more information on the sustainable economic development potential of ecotourism, see our fact sheet, The Ecotourism Incentive: Economic Development While Preserving the Environment (PDF).

SES has also developed a web page of information and resources on ecotourism for Saskatchewan entrepreneurs and communities who are interested in developing ecotourism.

Standards |Climate change | Forest certification | Sustainable economic development | Prince Albert National Park