This PBS video is a powerful testament to the courage and tenacity of determined protestors to protect the old growth forests in the Fairy Creek Watershed and surrounding areas in southwest Vancouver Island in British Columbia.
The subtitle, “And the Secrets It Holds” is even more powerful for the film illustrates that forests have more to tell us than we have to tell them about surviving the oncoming climate emergency.
The key to old growth survival are the mycorrhizae – the symbiotic relationship between tree roots and fungi – know as the wood wide web. These systems enable the trees to communicate between themselves and thus become resilient to fires, droughts and other environmental factors.
These ancient forests have perfected ‘Unity in Community’, which we humans have yet to achieve. In addition the film explores the new science on the value of soil canopy—nutritious material built up in the upper boughs to provide added protection in times of stress. No wonder these ancient forests have lasted for over 1000 years though enormous changes in climate and disease.
Even though the protests at Fairy Creek have so far not prevented some of these ancient forests from being cut, the film illustrates the powerful impact the protests have had on the wider community by bringing the issue to the forefront of international attention. Such informed and peaceful protests have in the past changed government policies as attested by women’s votes and changes to civil rights where moral righteousness is clearly demonstrated.
A powerful combination of indigenous voices and determined communities can make transformative changes. The provincial government has begun this shift with the deferral of 26,000 sq. km of old growth. More has yet to be achieved, but the lessons that these ancient trees tell us will eventually have to be heeded if humanity is to survive for the next 1000 years.