Pacific Flyway Ambassadors launch campaign in British Columbia

Student ambassadors following route of migratory birds up Pacific Coast to celebrate 100th anniversary of Canada-U.S. bird conservation.

DELTA, BC, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Four young conservationists have arrived in B.C. on their journey along the Pacific Flyway to celebrate a milestone in migratory bird conservation. They were joined by Environment and Climate Change Canada scientists for a visit to the Delta shoreline. Delta is a major destination for thousands of sandpipers that stop to feed on their migration north every spring.

The flyway ambassadors are embarking on this journey in honour of the Migratory Birds Treaty centennial. The treaty was signed by Canada and the United States in 1916 to protect wild populations of migratory birds. This act of international cooperation has been essential for sustaining the diverse and vibrant ecosystems that Canadians enjoy today.

Two Canadian students are joined by two American interns who have traveled the flyway from southern California and will continue on to Alaska. From now until May, the public can follow their journey through British Columbia and to Alaska on an interactive blog and via social media.

Quote

"Environment and Climate Change Canada is very proud to support the Pacific Flyway Ambassadors on their journey to celebrate 100 years of migratory bird conservation. This project highlights the vital species and habitats that millions of Canadians continue to enjoy."
–The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• Canada seasonally hosts approximately 450 species of birds, the majority of which are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.
• The Pacific Flyway Ambassadors will travel a distance of about 7500 km on their journey from San Diego to Anchorage to celebrate this conservation milestone.

Associated links
Read the Pacific Flyway Ambassadors' story map blog.

Find them on Twitter: @FollowtheFlyway and @Birdtrippers

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338