Raincoast hails NDP decision to stop grizzly hunting in British Columbia

Sidney, BC: Raincoast Conservation Foundation is hailing today’s announcement by the NDP government ending grizzly hunting in not only the Great Bear Rainforest, but the entire province, as an enormous conservation victory for wildlife in British Columbia.

Raincoast Conservation Foundation has been working with coastal First Nations for the protection of habitat and life requisites for grizzly bears and other large carnivores in the Great Bear Rainforest for over two decades. Raincoast has advocated for an end to the trophy hunting of grizzly bears for as long. Raincoast provided extensive feedback in the government’s recent consultation process on the grizzly hunt and is delighted that our input was clearly was heeded.

“We commend the NDP government for stopping the trophy hunting of grizzlies as it will ensure that the iconic bears of the Great Bear Rainforest and of British Columbia will finally be protected from decades of hunting persecution,” said Brian Falconer, guide outfitter coordinator for Raincoast. “We applaud the government for recognizing and investing in a new non-extractive conservation economy with this decision.”

“The government’s ban of all grizzly hunting in the Great Bear Rainforest, as well as the entire province, is an enormous conservation victory. We have been working to achieve this goal for 20 years, so it is incredibly gratifying to see it finally come to fruition,” said Chris Genovali, executive director of Raincoast.

This announcement is a recognition and support of the alternative, non-extractive, sustainable economic activity represented by wildlife viewing and eco-tourism; economic analysis has shown that bear viewing generates over ten times more revenue than the grizzly hunting.

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