New bid for Manitoba-Ontario UNESCO boreal forest deal

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 Akinamed 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.