EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
How Your
Purchase Supports
Self-Determination
When you buy carbon offsets from Great Bear Carbon, you directly support Coastal First Nations and their stewardship of the Great Bear Rainforest. These offsets help protect ancient forests, safeguard wildlife like grizzlies, wolves, and salmon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by conserving one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests.
Revenue from carbon offsets empowers Coastal First Nations as active leaders and decision-makers in the project. It provides the resources to manage and protect their territories while promoting economic resilience and cultural preservation. The funds support initiatives such as the Coastal Guardian Watchmen programs and the establishment of stewardship offices, which ensure the forests’ health and longevity.
This revenue also drives community development by creating jobs in conservation, funding programs for youth and elders, and supporting local infrastructure. It also strengthens governance by enabling First Nations councils to exercise self-determination and pursue initiatives that align with their cultural values and sustainable development goals.
Every offset purchase represents a commitment to Reconciliation, sustainability, and supporting Coastal First Nations in their leadership of the Great Bear Rainforest's stewardship.
CONSERVATION ACROSS MULTIPLE NATIONS
Projects
The Great Bear Forest Carbon Projects are among the largest and most impactful carbon offset initiatives worldwide. These projects follow the BC Forest Carbon Offset Protocol (FCOP) and prevent an estimated 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually by conserving forests that would otherwise be logged. The revenue generated is reinvested in community-led stewardship programs, which include marine use planning, forest conservation, and biodiversity monitoring.
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THE GREAT BEAR (NORTH AND CENTRAL-MID COAST) FOREST CARBON PROJECT (2009)
This project covers a vast area of the Great Bear Rainforest, involving multiple Nations. Each has its role in protecting and managing the carbon stored in the region's forests. Participating Nations include:
— Wuikinuxv
— Heiltsuk
— Kitasoo Xai’xais
— Nuxalk
— Gitga’at
— Metlakatla
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THE GREAT BEAR (HAIDA GWAII) FOREST CARBON PROJECT (2011)
The Haida Gwaii Bear Forest Carbon Project brings together several Haida Nation communities to conserve the rich biodiversity of this remote area. Participating Nations include:
— Old Massett
— Skidegate
— Council of the Haida Nation
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GREAT BEAR (SOUTH CENTRAL COAST) FOREST CARBON PROJECT (2009)
Spanning the southern part of the Great Bear Rainforest, this project involves various coastal communities committed to forest stewardship and carbon conservation. Participating Nations include:
— Tlowitsis
— Wei Wai Kum
— We Wai Kai
— K'ómoks
— Mamalilikulla
— Da’naxda’xw Awaetlala
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TANGIBLE IMPACT ON COASTAL NATIONS
Stories from Communities
Proceeds from the sale of Great Bear Carbon offsets help support the people and stewardship efforts in Coastal Nations.
For example, in Nuxalk territory, carbon offset funds have enabled the renovation of an Elder Centre and the creation of a new youth space, fostering safe environments for community engagement and services. The Nuxalk Guardian Watchmen also use these funds to monitor and protect vital wildlife habitats, ensuring sustainable resource management.
In Metlakatla territory, carbon offsets have funded essential stewardship roles and supported the community’s long-term planning and development needs. These examples illustrate how investing in GBC’s carbon offsets contributes to climate action and strengthens Indigenous communities and their environmental stewardship.
