Dec 27 2014
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today highlighted the accomplishments achieved under the National Conservation Plan.
The National Conservation Plan, which was a commitment made in the 2013 Speech from the Throne, is one of the many initiatives the Government has undertaken to protect Canada's natural heritage for the benefit of future generations. It provides a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country with an emphasis on enabling Canadians to conserve and restore lands and waters in and around their communities, and making it easier for citizens living in cities to connect with nature.
Since it was announced by Prime Minister Harper in May 2014, progress under the National Conservation Plan has been substantial. The Government has worked closely with stakeholders across the country to launch the National Wetland Conservation Fund and the expanded Habitat Stewardship Program.
The Government has expanded, strengthened and renewed its national and international partnerships to conserve the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. To better protect and restore the Great Lakes, Minister Aglukkaq announced the new Canada–Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health.
To connect Canadians to nature, the Government selected ten National Wildlife Areas where investments will be made to improve public access to infrastructure, creating trails, and supporting low-impact uses. In addition, with our support to Earth Rangers, more kids are learning about wildlife and what they can do to help conserve it.
The Government has also formally created Canada's 44th national park. Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve is one of the finest and most extensive system of protected areas in the world. Combined with the Government's significant expansion in 2009 of Nahanni National Park Reserve, the creation of Nááts'ihch'oh National Park Reserve ensures the protection of the South Nahanni River watershed and habitat for mountain woodland caribou, grizzly bears, Dall's sheep, mountain goats and Trumpeter swans.
Quick Facts
- Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment and help connect Canadians to our rich natural heritage.
- The National Conservation Plan represents the Government of Canada's plan to conserve and restore our lands and waters, and connect Canadians to our natural spaces.
- The National Wetland Conservation Fund, which is part of the National Conservation Plan, supports projects that restore degraded or lost wetlands, enhance degraded wetlands, scientifically assess and monitor the health and functionality of wetlands and the species that use them, and encourage stewardship and wetland appreciation by a wide variety of partners to build support for future wetland conservation and restoration activities.
- Canada has approximately 1.5 million km2 of wetlands, representing about 16 per cent of Canada's land mass and approximately one quarter of the world's remaining wetlands.
Quotes
"Since 2006, our Government has taken significant action to protect our natural areas. The Harper Government is proud of the accomplishments achieved as part of the National Conservation Plan. These measures support hunters and anglers across the country."
"We are looking forward to continuing to build on these actions and the efforts of countless Canadians who are working to conserve and protect our rich natural heritage in order to contribute to Canada's long-term prosperity."
–The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
Related Product
For more information on the National Conservation Plan, please visit the National Conservation Plan.
Source: http://www.ec.gc.ca/