Berst Sounding Boombox

Certification biologists and microbiologists

few weeks ago, appeared in the newspaper "BC Forest Professional magazine" although an article reflecting the importance that British Columbia to the profession of biologist * . Published by the 'Association of BC Forest Professionals, this magazine is for members of this professional association and any person interested in the management of forest resources in the province.

The article discusses the appropriateness of applying to the management of wildlife and their habitats, the principle of "chief forester" well known in the area of forestry. The "chief forester is one who, guided in this by law, determines the annual harvest of timber allowed ("Annual allowable cut") from many factors, such as inventory data, growth rates and production, and even the nature and frequency of natural disturbances. This process is repeated on a regular basis, at least once every five years to readjust the charges. The author expects that it will be difficult in the coming decades, to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations and conservation of endangered species and their habitats. He therefore believes that establishing the function of "chief biologist" might be beneficial sustainable management of natural resources and environment.

Meanwhile, here in Quebec, the profession of biologist are not legally framed, incompetent persons can act as a biologist.

But things are moving. Indeed, the party of Jean Charest has just recognized the importance of framing the profession by adopting, at its last meeting on 8 and 9 March, a resolution to the incorporation of biologists and microbiologists. This political will is already included in the forthcoming election platform and represents a first after more 32 years fighting for recognition of professional biologists and microbiologists.

Like BC, the Liberal Party wants to give Quebec tools to ensure the competence of these professionals and the protection of the public good is the environment. Furthermore, this decision will be part of its sustainable development policy.

As such, the recent history of Quebec continues to remind us of the urgency for action (destruction of wetlands, contamination of soil and water, algae blooms, invasive alien species, etc.)..

For more information, visit the following website:
http://www.incorporation-abqamq.ca/


Committee on the professional status ABQ-AMQ

Microsoft Office Recipe Book

Biologists: professionals needed to manage forests. An order

In a memorandum submitted to the Quebec government March 28, the Association of Biologists of Quebec supports several new directions proposed in the government Green Paper in preparation for a new forest. In particular, to provide Quebec with a strategy of sustainable development and regional communities to entrust new responsibilities for forest management. However, the ABQ would like the vision of the new forestry regime reflects more explicitly the importance given to the protection of biodiversity, an essential prerequisite to any sustainable development strategy.
To ensure sustainable management of forests, ABQ also stresses the need (1) to integrate the various skills in management of forest resources, including biologists, (2) investing in education and research and (3) build partnerships with First Nations. Biologists have been involved for many decades in the conservation and enhancement of wildlife resources of the forest and their expertise could be harnessed. Also, it is important that Quebecers are better informed to make sense of the integrated management of resources and actively participate in new roles in the region. Finally, regionalization is an opportunity for indigenous people to redefine their role in the integrated management of forest resources and enhance their knowledge and their know-how.
ABQ has some reservations about the proposed zoning in the Green Paper, which allocates about 30% of productive forest to forestry intensive. We believe that this high proportion devoted to intensive management could pose a risk to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. The ABQ requests the Government to meet one of the main recommendations of the Coulombe report, namely "that ecosystem management is at the heart of the management of public forests of Quebec."
Under this reform based on Sustainable Development, we believe it is essential that professional acts to be performed by biologists, both to ensure the public eye protection of wildlife habitats that ensure accountability in terms of biodiversity.
ABQ is currently in demand for the establishment of a professional to the Office des Professions du Quebec (OPQ).


Gaétane Boisseau
biologist, M.Sc.
Consultant Conservation



biologist Patrick Paré, M.Sc.
Vice President Communications Association
biologists Quebec