Surrounded by the forests in Eskasoni and framed by the Bras d’Or Lakes, a new five-year forestry agreement was signed by Chiefs representing the five Mi’kmaq bands in Cape Breton and Marc Dube from Port Hawkesbury Paper.
The new contract with Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources (UINR) outlines the roles and responsibilities for harvesting and silviculture, while paying special attention to species-at-risk and culturally signifiant areas for traditional-use plants.
Quotas for pulpwood, stud wood, saw logs and biomass are also detailed in the agreement.
Mark MacPhail, UINR’s Director of Forestry explains, “UINR has represented Unama’ki’s Mi’kmaq in forestry since 2001. Since that initial agreement with Stora Enso, we’ve signed agreements with NewPage, and we are pleased to continue that tradition today with Port Hawkesbury Paper.
While facing a difficult world market situation, Port Hawkesbury Paper is showing the North American paper market that they will be a leader in sustainable forestry while providing a high-quality product. UINR is pleased to be playing a key role in this success.”
“Port Hawkesbury Paper is pleased to continue the agreement we have with UINR. It is consistent with our commitment to create good employment opportunities for the Mi’kmaq peoples of Nova Scotia,” said Marc Dube, Development Manager, Port Hawkesbury Paper. “We look forward to expanding UINR’s participation in forestry on the Crown and Private lands we manage.”
Port Hawkesbury Paper is committed to the goals of providing long-term sustainability and natural biodiversity for the forests’ many ecological, social and cultural values while providing a stable and long-term wood supply and economic viability for the company, local wood suppliers and sawmills.
UINR and the Chiefs of Unama’ki share the focus on land and water conservation that have been traditionally used by the Mi’kmaq people.
Port Hawkesbury Paper LP is a forestry operations and paper mill in Port Hawkesbury. Port Hawkesbury Paper forestry operations are the only large forest operations that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified in Atlantic Canada.
Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources is an organization that represents the five Mi’kmaq bands of Unama’ki (Cape Breton) on issues related to natural resources and the environment.
