One of the largest, most intact, and pristine natural systems in the world.
The Mackenzie River Basin (MRB) covers 20% of Canada, spanning 1.8 million square kilometers and stretching across three Canadian provinces (Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan) and two Northern Territories (Yukon and the Northwest Territories). The watershed supplies 11% of global freshwater to the Arctic Ocean and is home to two of the largest lakes in the world. These ecosystems provide habitat for an array of sensitive wildlife including migratory birds and relict populations of large mammals such as caribou. The Mackenzie River itself spans 1080 miles, and is so ecologically important to the continent that it has been nicknamed Canada's Cold Amazon.
A globally important resource.
Nearly 58% of the MRB is virgin boreal forest that can store three times the amount of carbon as plantation forests. Over 20% is untouched wetland habitat. Both boreal forest and wetlands are incredibly efficient at storing carbon. In fact, the MRB stores more carbon than the entire Amazon Rainforest. Currently, the relatively pristine nature of the MRB is helping to buffer the planet from the effects of climate change.
Nearly 58% of the MRB is virgin boreal forest that can store three times the amount of carbon as plantation forests. Over 20% is untouched wetland habitat. Both boreal forest and wetlands are incredibly efficient at storing carbon. In fact, the MRB stores more carbon than the entire Amazon Rainforest. Currently, the relatively pristine nature of the MRB is helping to buffer the planet from the effects of climate change.
Important natural resources for human development.
The most prevalent resource development interests in the MRB are timber, hydrocarbons (including natural gas, oil, and bitumen) and minerals. Combined, these interests represent billions of dollars of potential revenue: In 2015, they contributed nearly CAN$70 billion to the economies of Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Yukon alone while employing hundreds of thousands of Canadian citizens.
The most prevalent resource development interests in the MRB are timber, hydrocarbons (including natural gas, oil, and bitumen) and minerals. Combined, these interests represent billions of dollars of potential revenue: In 2015, they contributed nearly CAN$70 billion to the economies of Alberta, Northwest Territories, and Yukon alone while employing hundreds of thousands of Canadian citizens.