Subjects: ECO, CFG
Minister McKenna welcomes Budget 2018 commitment to the ongoing protection of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site
OTTAWA, March 14, 2018 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today issued the following statement on the Government of Canada's commitment to ensure the ongoing protection of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site:
"The Government of Canada recognizes the Outstanding Universal Value of Canada's 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Wood Buffalo National Park, and is committed to their ongoing protection.
On March 10, 2017, the World Heritage Committee requested that Canada develop a structured and adequately funded response to improve the state of conservation of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site. We are responding to the World Heritage Committee's request as part of our commitment to protect Canada's heritage places now, and for future generations.
Through Budget 2018, the Government of Canada is proposing historic investments to protect Canada's nature, parks, and wild spaces ? a true legacy for our children and grandchildren. Included in these investments in Canada's Natural Legacy is a commitment to invest in the action plan that is being developed for Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site.
We are confident that meaningful progress is possible through collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, engagement with the 11 Indigenous communities associated with the Park, and ongoing dialogue with industry and other stakeholders. Through this collaboration, and by making use of Indigenous knowledge and the best available science, we will ensure that the Outstanding Universal Value of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site is maintained for future generations. We are appreciative of the on-going participation and engagement of Indigenous partners in the development of the Strategic Environmental Assessment, which also responds to the World Heritage Committee's request.
We are committed to continuing our engagement in the development of the action plan for Wood Buffalo National Park. In particular, we appreciate the ongoing advocacy of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, under the leadership of Chief Archie Waquan, to protect Wood Buffalo National Park. We fully acknowledge there is much more to be done. Together, we can create a path forward and secure the future of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site, so that it remains a treasured place with Outstanding Universal Value."
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SOURCE Parks Canada
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