International Day for Biological Diversity 2020: statement from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson Français
NORTH VANCOUVER, BC, May 22, 2020 /CNW/ - "Today, the world marks International Day for Biological Diversity, and this year's theme is 'Our Solutions Are in Nature.'
"First and foremost, the health, safety, and well-being of all Canadians are top priorities for the Government of Canada. Science tells us that there is a fundamental link between nature, a stable climate, and human well-being.
"As Canadians, we are fortunate to have an abundance of nature in our backyards: a gift that comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility to protect it. Caring for our precious forests, oceans, lakes, and rivers also preserves the diverse plant and animal species that call those places home.
"Climate change continues to present a long-term threat to our health and well-being, and nature is an important part of the solution. We simply cannot get to where we need to be without effective nature-based climate solutions, which have the potential to provide over 30 percent of global climate solutions.
"I am proud to be working hard with the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to achieve Canada's goal of conserving a quarter of our land and a quarter of our oceans by 2025 and working toward 30 percent of each by 2030. We are actively creating more protected areas and expanding our Parks Canada network in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities to achieve these ambitious targets.
"I am working with the Minister of Natural Resources on Canada's plan to plant two billion trees over the next 10 years. This action will help fight climate change, while also advancing progress on Canada's biodiversity priorities including improving habitat for species at risk, conserving wetlands, reducing water pollution, and more.
"Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems are vital to our health and well-being as Canadians. Together, we can protect our natural legacy for generations to come."
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Moira Kelly, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-271-6218, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]
Share this article