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Caring For Our Common Ground
Announced in April of 2021, the initial phase of the Common Ground project began an exploratory partnership between Community Forests International, the Nova Scotia Family Forest Network, and the Ulnooweg Development Group. What started as an effort to empower nature-based climate action throughout communities in the Maritimes quickly expanded into partnerships and increased solidarity among Read more »
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Why forest complexity matters for biodiversity and resilience
Forests are rich in biodiversity. They are home to an incredible variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms. According to this analysis by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, forests contain approximately 80% of the world’s amphibian species, 75% of bird species, and 68% of mammal species. Protecting forests is critical for Read more »
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Local knowledge is key to protecting biodiversity
The recent United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) has been a reminder for the conservation community about the need to place Indigenous and local knowledge at the heart of biodiversity efforts—including protecting and restoring the world’s forests. Forests are beautifully diverse ecosystems. Globally, forests contain over 60,000 different tree species, 80% of amphibian species, 75% of Read more »
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Weaving Wabanaki and Western knowledge with Suzanne Greenlaw
Suzanne Greenlaw is combining Wabanaki ecological knowledge and Western scientific knowledge to improve access to culturally significant plants. In creating Below the Canopy, our new podcast, we’ve had the privilege and opportunity to connect with a roster of inspiring guests, including none other than Suzanne Greenlaw, a citizen of the Hulton Band of Maliseet Indians Read more »
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Meet Jocelyn Marshall: Knowledge-Keeper, Educator, and Inspiration
The Common Ground Project has introduced Community Forests International to some remarkable people over the last 18 months. One of these people is Jocelyn Marshall, who works as Indigenous Relations Advisory in special projects at Ulnooweg. Jocelyn is a knowledge keeper and Band Council member from Potlotek First Nation, who grew up surrounded by her Read more »
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Below the Canopy with Jesse Saindon: Native Seeds to Thriving Forests
On just five acres of land, Jesse Saindon is growing a unique mix of native hardwood trees, including bur oak: an ecologically and culturally significant tree species. In September, Community Forests International launched Below the Canopy, a podcast that explores the relationships between people and forests—with a focus on the Wabanaki forest. Our host, Megan Read more »
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VIUNGO: Seeding Resilience
Just over two years ago, Community Forests launched the VIUNGO Project in Zanzibar. Translating to “ingredients” or “spice” in Swahili, VIUNGO is a four-year collaborative effort between local and international organizations in the region. Together, we are working to support small-scale farmers, empower women and youth, and boost economic growth and opportunity—key ingredients in a Read more »
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What does conservation mean for us?
What do we mean when we talk about forest conservation? At Community Forests International, our approach has always been to put community and climate at the forefront. Community: building relations for solutions. While the well-being of all communities is at the core of our work, we increasingly aim to centre those most impacted by the Read more »
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How an invasive species is impacting culture and forests.
In celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day 2022, we invite you to watch our short film, The Borer and the Basket, directed by Mi’kmaq filmmaker Desmond Simon. Through the traditional Indigenous craft of basket making, this film outlines the spiritual, ecological, and cultural practices at risk from the spread of the emerald ash borer, an Read more »
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Take Action Against Glyphosate
Community Forests International is firmly against spraying glyphosate on forestland and we ask you, our community, to voice your opposition. Glyphosate is used to suppress hardwood tree species that compete with industry-favoured softwood species. It is one of several forest management practices that is limiting our forest composition—eliminating the diversity that is critical to the Read more »
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Acre by Acre: The Community Forests International Brand
There’s a small island in the Indian Ocean, in the Zanzibar Archipelago, that is home to vibrant communities, lush mangrove forests, and a rich history of spice farming. Community Forests International has worked in partnership with the people of Pemba Island for 15 years to support community-led projects that range from tree planting and agroforestry Read more »
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Lunch-and-learn!
Update: If you missed the event, you can still watch this inspiring and informative session here. How can the forestry sector support the well-being of the diversity of people connected to the forests? We know doing so will require many communities to work together. That is why in 2021, we launched the Common Ground project — a Read more »
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