Canadian recognized among world’s 100 guardian angels of the planet

VANCOUVER – A Canadian who has inspired millions in his mission to save a unique bear on British Columbia’s central coast has been recognized among the world’s top 100 activists.

A French group has named 31-year-old Toronto resident Simon Jackson among the 100 Guardians Angels of the Planet for his work to inspire young people to save B.C.’s rare white bears.

Other recipients honoured for their bodies of work include oceanographer Jean-Michel Cousteau and wildlife researcher and anthropologist Jane Goodall.

Jackson started his campaign to save the spirit bear when he was 13 and says he’s shocked he’s on the same list as Goodall, his hero since childhood.

Kermode bears, also known as spirit bears, make their home in the Great Bear Rainforest on B.C.’s central coast, and Jackson has worked tirelessly to protect their 250,000 hectare habitat by taking his message to politicians and environmentalists around the world.

Through the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, Jackson’s message has reached about six million youth in more than 87 countries and he says two-thirds of the area has now been protected but he will work with the British Columbia government to ensure the rest is also preserved.