OTTAWA, Oct. 31, 2017 /CNW/ - In the boreal forest, the environment and the economy are linked: all stakeholders have a part in protecting it. Our government is committed to conserving wildlife habitat and protecting species at risk in this vast swath of Canadian forest.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, released the Report on the Progress of the Recovery-Strategy Implementation for the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), Boreal Population in Canada, for the Period 2012 to 2017.
The report highlights federal, provincial, and territorial progress in implementing the 2012 recovery strategy. It includes assessments of population and habitat conditions and identifies where further protection and recovery efforts are required.
Overall, the report shows that some progress was made by governments and industry, in the past five years. However, caribou populations continue to decline and habitat disturbance continues to increase. The report emphasizes the need for us all to do more.
The federal government is doing its part. This July, we published our proposed federal action plan, an important step forward in our efforts to protect boreal caribou and enhance biodiversity in Canada.
Over 95 percent of boreal caribou habitat is under provincial and territorial jurisdiction. Provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for management of lands, natural resources, and habitat where boreal caribou live. While no province or territory has submitted a completed range plan, all are presently working to address the issue of caribou protection and recovery. The federal government wishes to support them in accelerating these efforts. Going forward, the Government of Canada is also committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Species at Risk Act.
There is a role for everyone: from citizens, governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities to resource industries. Indigenous communities in many areas are taking measures to protect and monitor caribou and involve traditional knowledge in this process. Many in industry and in the environmental community are also working to protect habitat while maintaining and creating jobs.
Moving forward, our government will work with relevant stakeholders to codify and accelerate efforts to protect boreal caribou through the development of robust, science-based conservation agreements. We know we need innovative solutions that will enable us to protect the environment and strengthen the economy.
Next spring, the Government of Canada will assess current and future plans to protect critical habitat in caribou ranges. We are confident that, as it has done in the past, Canada will rise to the challenge of protecting our natural heritage.
Quotes
"Boreal caribou is an iconic species and a key indicator of a healthy boreal forest. It holds special significance to all Canadians, especially Indigenous Peoples. Its continuing decline is concerning, and it impacts us all. I am committed to protecting species under the Species at Risk Act, and I recognize that the recovery of boreal caribou requires unprecedented commitment, collaboration, and cooperation if we are to achieve success. We must continue to protect our environment and strengthen our economy as well as maintain our collective work to ensure the conservation of wildlife."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Quick Facts
Related Products
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
These press releases may also interest you
|