Queen awards Premier Christy Clark at Buckingham Palace

British Columbia Premier Christy Clark was in London on Tuesday night to accept an award on behalf of all B.C. residents for the creation of the Great Bear Rainforest, as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.

The Great Bear Rainforest was the largest forest conservation project showcased at a special ceremony by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

I'm honoured to have represented BC at Buckingham Palace as the #GreatBearRainforest was marked by Her Majesty as part of the @QueensCanopy. pic.twitter.com/OX9qymCk9f

— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) November 15, 2016

In total, 20 Commonwealth countries had projects recognized – ranging in size from a 2.4-hectare site in Antigua and Barbuda, to the 6.4-million-hectare Great Bear Rainforest on B.C.’s central and north coast.

The Queen presented High Commisioners from 20 countries with @QueensCanopy certificates recognising their #CommonwealthCanopy dedications pic.twitter.com/lhgmxd5CAU

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 15, 2016

“All British Columbians have a stake in protecting the Great Bear Rainforest – we consider it our gift to the world. It was an honour to represent the province and have our efforts and approach honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” said Clark.

According to Clark, 7 per cent of B.C., an area the size of Ireland, has been set aside forever to protect the ancient forest, the wildlife and the biodiversity in the areas.

This preservation comes after 10 years of negotiations between 28 First Nations, the provincial government, environmental groups and forest companies.

The Great Bear Rainforest project, Canada, has been dedicated to the #CommonwealthCanopy & was unveiled by The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge. pic.twitter.com/MfSe4FhLUU

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 15, 2016

The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy was launched in 2015 with the goal of uniting the Commonwealth’s 52 members in conserving forests for future generations.