Natural Resources
Education
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
September 21, 2009
Futures from Forests
Initiative Launched During National Forest Week 2009
The
province�s forests, sustainable forest management
practices, forest products and the future of the
industry are the focus of a new educational program
being launched today in Corner Brook.
Futures from Forests is designed to get senior and
junior high school students thinking about the forest
industry and how forests are managed in Newfoundland and
Labrador. The resource package produced by the
Department of Natural Resources, Department of
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Natural
Resources Canada�s Canadian Forest Service was unveiled
during a luncheon to celebrate National Forest Week 2009
which will take place from September 20 - 26.
�The Provincial Government has recognized a need to
raise awareness about the value of our forests and
forest industry. Our forests play a significant role in
the lives of the people of our province; providing
social, cultural and economic benefits,� said the
Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural
Resources and the Minister Responsible for the Forestry
and Agrifoods Agency. �This initiative brings the forest
industry directly to the students whose decisions on the
use of our natural resources will shape the future of
Newfoundland and Labrador.�
The Futures from Forests initiative includes a modern,
up-beat DVD that was developed in consultation with the
Department of Education. It features students expressing
their views on the forestry industry as well as an
outline of forest management practices and a discussion
on the future of the industry. This and other materials
included in the resource will be distributed to senior
high classes across the province.
�It is important to promote the forest industry in our
school system and this DVD is an excellent source of
up-to-date information for senior high school students,�
said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education.
�It is incorporated into the environmental sciences
curriculum, providing students with valuable information
about the industry in their own province during a time
when they are making decisions about career paths,
post-secondary education and future work-related
choices.�
�It is a priority of the Provincial Government to
explore new ways of creating a sustainable and
diversified forestry industry in Newfoundland and
Labrador,� said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister
of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. �My
department has played an integral role in assisting
local industry operators diversify and advance their
product lines, increasing their competitiveness in niche
export markets. Educating the public about the best use
of our forests, especially through youth education, is
key to ensuring the industry�s long-term
sustainability.�
The Futures from Forests initiative was managed by the
Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian
Institute of Forestry, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd.
and Human Resources and Skill Development Canada also
contributed to the initiative.
The theme for National Forest Week 2009 is Strong Roots,
Green Shoots. It highlights the legacy of our forests
and the investment and infrastructure that is the
backbone of this sector. During the week, the Department
of Natural Resources is holding municipal tree-planting
ceremonies and other events at various locations across
the province.
A list
of National Forest Week events is available at
www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/forestweek.stm
- 30 -
Media
contacts:
Connie Boland
Manager of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-637-2923, 640-6409
connieboland@gov.nl.ca |
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca
|
Richard Mercer
Manager of Communications
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-7311, 691-8785
richardmercer@gov.nl.ca |
|
2009
09 21
1:35 p.m.
|