CBI Calls on the Federal Government to Reverse its Decision to Open Pristine
Boreal Wilderness to Mining

OTTAWA, Dec. 15 /CNW/ - The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) reiterates its call to the federal government to restore protection for the proposed Edéhzhíe National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories from mineral staking.

Edéhzhíe, also known as the Horn Plateau, is an undulating plateau rising more than 400 metres over the surrounding boreal plains and lowlands. West of Great Slave Lake, it is one of the natural jewels of the Mackenzie Valley of the Northwest Territories. An area of cultural and ecological significance for the Dehcho and Tłicho peoples, this area figures prominently in Dene legends. Wildlife such as caribou and moose is abundant, it has rich wetlands and is a continental bird flyway. 

Eight years of negotiations between governments and First Nations on boundaries for the proposed National Wildlife Area concluded earlier this year, when a consensus request to protect more than 14,250 square kilometres was submitted to the Federal government in June. However, the interim protection order preventing industrial activities within the area expired at the end of October before a final decision was made. It was renewed in November 2010, but without the critical subsurface protection provisions that prevent mining claims from encroaching on the area.

"We support the Dehcho First Nations in their resolve to have Canada reinstate the full protection for Edéhzhíe that has been in place since 2002," said Larry Innes, CBI's executive director. "Opening the area to mineral claims puts pristine boreal ecosystems at risk, and undermines the confidence of NWT communities, industry, and conservationists alike in the NWT Protected Area Strategy process."

Interim protection is critical in the NWT protected area process, as it shelters these sensitive lands from industrial development while legislative protection is being obtained.

"Minister Baird and Minister Duncan should immediately restore full protection for Edéhzhíe and move quickly to complete the National Wildlife Area designation for the area, so that the people who have worked so hard to protect this area and the Protected Area Strategy process by which these goals are being achieved will not be compromised," concluded Mr. Innes.

The NWT Protected Areas Strategy (PAS) is a process where Aboriginal communities, including the Dehcho First Nations, propose new protected areas of ecological and cultural significance, with the participation of conservation organizations and industry. It is supported and enabled by both the federal and territorial governments. Since 2006, more than 31 million acres in the NWT have been slated for protection through either the PAS or Parks Canada processes.

The Canadian Boreal Initiative brings together diverse partners to advance real solutions for boreal forest conservation and sustainable management, and acts as a convener for governments, industry, Aboriginal communities, conservation groups, major retailers, financial institutions and scientists. Learn more at www.borealcanada.ca.

For further information:

Suzanne Fraser, Director of Communications
613-552-7277
[email protected]