2013 Federal Budget Supports Conservation

TORONTO, March 21, 2013 /CNW/ - The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) applauds the extension of the Natural Areas Conservation Program contained in the 2013 Federal Budget.

The budget, tabled today by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, has allotted an additional $20 million to support the Natural Areas Conservation Program through 2013-14. This additional $20 million will help to protect more of Canada's most sensitive landscapes. The federal commitment will be matched by funds raised by NCC from other sources.

The Natural Areas Conservation Program is a national program to acquire and conserve ecologically sensitive lands.  It was launched by the Harper Government in 2007 and is administered by the Nature Conservancy of Canada with the participation of other land conservation organizations across the country.  Under the program NCC and its partners have already conserved more than 3,500 square kilometres, habitat for 146 species at risk.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is also pleased to see a further commitment in the budget to a National Conservation Plan.  As Canada's not-for-profit conservation leader we look forward to working with government and contributing fully to the development of this vitally important framework.

QUOTES:

"The continued support of the Natural Areas Conservation Program speaks loudly to the Government's commitment to this unique public-private partnership that invests in direct, on-the-ground action to conserve our environment," said John Lounds, President  & CEO of the Nature Conservancy of Canada. "The Natural Areas Conservation Program creates solutions that are good for nature and good for Canadians."

FACTS:

• Established in 2007, with a $225 million investment by the Government of Canada, the Natural Areas Conservation Program is a public-private partnership.
• The program is the largest commitment by any Canadian government to the conservation of natural spaces through the protection of private lands.
• Over 3,540 square kilometers have already been conserved under the Program.
• To date, natural habitat has been protected for more than 146 Species at Risk.
• For every $1 of federal funding the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its partners are raising more than $2 in cash and land donations.

ABOUT:  

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is the nation's leading land conservation organization, working to protect our most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962 NCC and its partners have helped to protect more than 2.6 million acres (more than 1 million hectares), coast to coast. To learn more visit: www.natureconservancy.ca.

SOURCE: Nature Conservancy of Canada

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