Welcome to the Silva Forest Foundation

From 1991 to 2020, the Silva Forest Foundation was a pioneer and leader in the development and application of ecosystem-based conservation planning, which we now refer to as nature-based planning. Our approach is a practical means of relating to and using Earth in ways that maintain and/or restore natural ecological integrity and biological diversity, while fostering the development of diverse, healthy, community-based economies.

As of September 30, 2020, the Silva Forest Foundation is no longer an active organization. However, this web site provides an archive of much of the work completed by SFF over the past nearly 30 years. Full archival information will soon be available through the archives of the University of Northern British Columbia.

Our Work

Silva’s work with communities across Canada and elsewhere in the world was unique, as it empowered people with ecosystem-based tools for change. We pursued practical, 'on the ground’ results by providing analysis of government and industry plans, ecosystem analyses, recommendations for ecologically responsible human uses, restoration strategies, mapping tools, education and training. Our work was collaborative–working with First Nations, rural communities, and other organizations that share our values—and helped to build bridges between divergent interests.

We frequently started a project by helping communities to appreciate their diversity and develop an expansive, yet practical vision for the future through the process of Appreciative Inquiry. In doing so, we helped to build social capacity for taking ecosystem-based approaches.

We invite you to browse through our information-rich site, and imagine how you or someone you know could use ecosystem-based conservation planning (nature-based planning) in your lives. 

Our Challenge

Global ecosystems are at risk. We are at risk. In Canada and elsewhere in the world excessive levels of consumption drive the loss of biological diversity and degrade essential ecological processes, like climate regulation and provision of high quality water.

The word “ecosystem” begins with the prefix “eco,” which is derived from the Greek word “oiko(s),” meaning house or home. Thus, ecosystem means home system—Earth—our home. We need to develop a new way of thinking about and relating to Earth. This relationship needs to see all parts of ecosystems as identities to be respected, not simply resources to exploit.

Our Supporters

“Our community forest gives us the power to reestablish Xaxli’p control over our land and cultural resources. Silva’s help has been vital to achieving this goal.” 

– Herman Alec, Xaxli’p elder and Community Forest Board Chair

“Silva’s approach is not just talk and theory; it’s on-the-ground practice. At a time when there are immense changes happening worldwide with our natural ecosystems, it is so important to maintain whole systems. Working, as Silva does, with natural processes and not against them, we will be able, with time, to assist nature to restore itself. This is a responsibility that Silva has taken to heart, and one that all of us need to embrace.” 

– Dr. Nancy Turner, Ethnobotanist 

“I live in Harrop-Procter, a small, rural BC community where protection of surface water supplies is critical. Silva was instrumental in helping us achieve BC’s first Ecosystem-Based Community Forest Tenure, which gives protecting water the first priority. The Harrop-Procter Community Forest is now thriving, a testament to the effectiveness and viability of Silva’s work.”

– Rami Rothkop, Harrop-Procter Community Forest Founding Director