The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories partner on Boreal Caribou Conservation

YELLOWKNIFE, March 13, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is protecting and conserving nature and wildlife, an important legacy for future generations. Together with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Conference of Management Authorities and Indigenous governments, organizations and communities, we are making progress toward the recovery and protection of boreal caribou.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, and the Northwest Territories Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Robert C. McLeod, today announced an agreement to strengthen conservation of boreal caribou and further collaboration on wildlife and the environment. The key result of this agreement is a commitment from the Government of the Northwest Territories to complete range planning along a clear and reliable timeline to help ensure critical habitat is conserved.

Through this agreement, the Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories are working with Indigenous governments, organizations and communities, wildlife management boards and other stakeholders. By putting ecological, cultural and economic values front and centre, we can work together to protect this iconic species.

As per Canada's Nature Legacy commitment announced in Budget 2018, we will be providing funding to support the conservation work committed to in this agreement.

Quotes

"We need to work together to protect boreal caribou, support communities and create good jobs. It's with the best available science and traditional knowledge that we will achieve effective and practical results for this iconic species."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"This agreement recognizes our made-in-the-North approach to boreal caribou management, which integrates environmental protection with the economic and social needs of northeners. Federal funding negotiated as part of this agreement will support our collaborative process with our Indigenous partners to build regional range plans over the next five years, and help the Government of the Northwest Territories meet our mandate commitment to developing a range plan for boreal caribou in the NWT."
? Robert C. McLeod, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Northwest Territories

Quick facts

• Boreal caribou habitat in the Northwest Territories is approximately 69% undisturbed, and the primary cause of habitat disturbance is wildfire.
• There are an estimated 6,000-7,000 boreal caribou in the Northwest Territories, with a small number of boreal caribou ranging in the Yukon Territory. The range consists of about 441,000 km² of mostly intact boreal forest.

Related products

• The Government of Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories partner on Boreal Caribou Conservation
• Woodland Caribou (Boreal population) in Northwest Territories: conservation agreement

Associated links

• Recovery Strategy for Boreal Caribou in the Northwest Territories
• Boreal Caribou Range Planning Framework ? Discussion Document

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada