LONDON, ON, May 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced funding to support new projects under the National Wetland Conservation Fund (NWCF). Minister Aglukkaq was joined by Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin—Middlesex—London, and Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton—Kent—Middlesex.
In 2015-16, the Government of Canada will invest more than $13 million under the NWCF over the next three years to provide support for more than 80 projects across Canada.
The NWCF is an important part of the Government of Canada's National Conservation Plan (NCP) that was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in May 2014. As wetlands are an essential part of the Canadian ecosystem, the NWCF encourages projects that restore and enhance wetlands across Canada.
Investments under the NWCF will go toward projects that:
- restore degraded or lost wetlands;
- enhance degraded wetlands;
- help identify areas where restoration should be prioritized and monitor the impacts of these efforts through scientific assessments; and,
- encourage stewardship and wetland appreciation to build support with a variety of partners for future wetland conservation and restoration activities.
The first call for proposals under this program was issued in July 2014 and generated significant interest, resulting in a total of 47 funded projects across Canada, with a $7.2 million investment over three years.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada is investing $252 million in the National Conservation Plan, which includes conserving Canada's natural heritage, restoring degraded ecosystems and connecting Canadians to nature.
- Canada has approximately 1.5 million km2 of wetlands, representing about 16 percent of Canada's land mass and approximately one quarter of the world's remaining wetlands.
- More than 200 bird species and over 50 species of mammals depend on Canadian wetlands for food and habitat. As host to thousands of plant and animal species, wetlands are second only to rainforests in the biodiversity they support.
- Restoration and enhancement efforts under the NWCF will support the creation of new wetlands and the improvement of existing habitat for species, including migratory waterfowl. These actions will help increase hunting opportunities for the many Canadians who purchase migratory game bird permits annually.
- Since 2006, the Government has taken important steps to conserve and restore our country's natural environment. For example, we have created three National Wildlife Areas in Nunavut, protecting 4,554 km2 of marine, coastal and terrestrial habitats including the world's sanctuary for bowhead whales.
- Each year on May 22nd, countries around the world celebrate Biological Diversity Day, to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of biodiversity.
Quote
"Our Government is making record investments in environmental efforts that empower Canadians to take action in and around their communities to restore important ecosystems that support wildlife and recreational activities. Today's announcement will support the protection of existing wetlands and the creation of new wetland habitat to sustain Canada's rich biodiversity."
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
Related Product
- For more information and to view a backgrounder on this announcement, please visit the Government of Canada's website.
Associated Links
- Canadians can learn more about Environment Canada's work on biodiversity.
- More information about how to apply to the National Wetland Conservation Fund is available online at: National Wetland Conservation Fund.
- National Conservation Plan Webpage
SOURCE Environment Canada
Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Media Relations, Environment Canada, 819-934-8008; Environment Canada's Twitter page, Environment Canada's Facebook page
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