Arriving at Appropriate Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management: A First Nation's Perspective
By David C. Natcher and Cliff Hickey
ABSTRACT
Of considerable concern to all stakeholders in the forest industry is the means by which aboriginal values can be incorporated equitably into forest management plans. Specifically, the question being asked is to what extent does the incorporation of aboriginal forest values affect the likelihood of achieving non-aboriginal management objectives (i.e., annual allowable cut). Our research has set out to answer this question through a case study of the Caribou - Lower Peace River region of Alberta, Canada, an area managed jointly by the Little Red River Cree First Nation (LRR), Tall Cree First Nation (TC), and Tolko Forest Products. Specifically, this research has set out to establish a set of local values, associated forest management goals, indicators and performance objectives as perceived by LRR\TC band members. Initial findings suggest that the use of criteria and performance indicators can provide an accurate assessment of forest management as it affects Cree culture and their continued land use needs. Specifically, this approach can:
- establish a mechanism in which forest management can be monitored and assessed in a manner that considers LRR\TC cultural and land use concerns;
- facilitates an assessment of existing and future forest management practices in the LRR\TC territory based upon prevailing cultural, social, ecological and economic criteria;
- provides a local assessment of forest management and establishes a basis for continuous improvement ;
- serves as a means of conflict management by articulating the diversity of landscape values nested within the LRR\TC territory.
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