The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia welcomes the release of he GPI Forest Accounts for Nova Scotia, and we hope it produces positive action to protect a natural resource of vital importance to our industry.
TIANS particularly welcomes the explicit recognition in the Genuine Progress Index that forests have important recreational and Tourism values as well as Timber values, and that standing forests (as well as cut ones) make a vital contribution to our economic wellbeing and prosperity.
The first paragraph of Volume 1 of the GPI Forest Accounts clearly expresses the concern of the Tourism Industry in that forestry practices of clearcutting and poor forest management undermine "the provinces ecological social and economic fabric" "depriving future generations of their natural inheritance."
TIANS has great concerns regarding the preservation and protection of our natural resources. Visitors come to this province largely because of its extraordinary natural beauty. Tourism is a resource-based industry that depends entirely on the health of our natural resources. Protecting our forested landscapes, including old trees, habitat for wildlife, and a diversity of species, is vital for the continued strength of the Tourism industry in this province and for its growing contribution to our provincial economy and employment.
We firmly believe the Nova Scotia government should establish best practices on crown lands and ensure all stakeholders are at the table in any further forestry related developments on public lands particularly coastal and forest.
The GPI report reveals the need to immediately take action to ensure the sustainable and prosperous future of the resource and those Industries which are directly dependent.