What are Ecological Reserves?
Ecological reserves are permanent sanctuaries, located throughout BC, that have been selected to preserve representative and special natural ecosystems, plant and animal species, features and phenomena. The principal uses of ecological reserves are for scientific research and educational purposes. Ecological reserves are established for the: · preservation of representative examples of British Columbia’s ecosystems; · protection of rare and endangered plants and animals in their natural habitat; · preservation of unique, rare or outstanding botanical, zoological or geological phenomena; · perpetuation of important genetic resources; and · scientific research and educational uses associated with the natural environment. How did they originate? Between 1964 and 1974 Canada participated in a decade of research known as the International Biological Program (IBP), a worldwide endeavor involving 58 nations. A subcommittee for the Conservation of Terrestrial Communities (IBP-CT) was created,
