The Nature Conservancy of Canada applauds commitment to land conservation in today's Throne Speech

TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2013 /CNW/ -The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), the nation's leading non-profit land conservation organization, congratulates the Prime Minister of Canada and Government for their ongoing commitment towards land conservation and protecting the nation's natural biodiversity in today's Throne Speech.

In particular, NCC was pleased with the Government's commitment to "protect Canada's rich natural heritage by unveiling a new National Conservation Plan to further increase protected areas". Furthermore, NCC is pleased with the commitment to 'work with communities, non-profit organizations, and businesses to create and protect more green space in our urban and suburban areas."

Since the creation of the Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP) partnership in 2007, NCC in partnership with the Government of Canada, has significantly expanded the amount of land under stewardship and helped protect a wide variety of species at risk.  Canada's investment of $245 million has been matched with private and other government donations. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has matched the NACP funding with private and other government donations and to date, has achieved over $600 million of conservation results.

"The Government of Canada has shown real leadership in helping to preserve and protect some of the most beautiful and important lands in Canada," said John Lounds, President and CEO of NCC.  "We are pleased that today's Throne Speech reiterated this commitment.  The Nature Conservancy of Canada looks forward to working with the government in the days and months ahead to continue providing tangible, lasting achievements in the area of land conservation."

Facts:

• Through the Natural Areas Conservation Program, NCC and partners to-date have protected more than 912,000 acres (369,000 hectares) that provide habitat for approximately 160 Species at Risk.
• This means the equivalent of 1,000 NHL-sized hockey rinks each and every day are protected for nature.
• The focus of this conservation has been on the 10 percent of Canadian land where more than 80 percent of Canada's terrestrial species at risk are found, and where 90 percent of Canadians live and work.
• Protected areas under the NACP have exceeded initial targets set for the program.
• Approximately 82 percent of Canadians live within 100 kilometres of an NACP project (based on 2008 pop.)

Learn More:

The Nature Conservancy of Canada 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 (over 1 million hectares), coast to coast. For more information visit: www.natureconservancy.ca

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SOURCE: Nature Conservancy of Canada

Contact:
Crystal Folkins
National Media Relations Manager
The Nature Conservancy of Canada
[email protected]
1-800-465-0029 extension 2241 /  647-881-5375