New bid for Manitoba-Ontario UNESCO boreal forest deal
The Manitoba and Ontario government has spent millions trying to get the official recognition
A third attempt is underway to get international recognition for a large section of boreal forest along the Manitoba-Ontario boundary.
The two provinces have spent millions of dollars over the last 13 years in hopes of getting the area known as Pimachiowin Aki named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
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Two earlier bids were deferred.
Project manager Gord Jones says the new bid is likely be be debated next year, and he's optimistic.
The remote area is touted as a pristine section of boreal forest where indigenous inhabitants have maintained strong ties to the land.
UNESCO already recognizes more than one-thousand spots around the globe as World Heritage Sites, and Jones says the designation can boost tourism and awareness.
The UNESCO bid was dealt a setback last year when one of the five First Nation communities involved in the project pulled out.