Sunday, September 8, 2019 ~ NATIONAL
~ West Shore Voice News
“Canadians know that protecting our nature and the wildlife that depend on it is essential to our environment, economy, and health,” it was stated in a release from Environment and Climate Change Canada on Friday September 6 as part of announcing $10 million over two years to support the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, which helps protect wetlands and migratory birds, including species at risk.
“That is why the Government of Canada is working to double the amount of protected nature in Canada’s lands and oceans,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna in the release.
The funding will enable partners to implement projects that will secure and restore at least 10,000 hectares of wetlands. These areas include habitats that are of the highest value for migratory birds.
This approved funding is part of the Government’s sustained commitment to invest up to $20 million over four years in North American Waterfowl Management Plan projects.
Globally, Canada has 20 percent of freshwater resources, 24 percent of wetlands, 25 percent of temperate rainforest areas, and 33 percent of remaining boreal forests.
Wetlands cover approximately 13 percent of Canada’s land area and provide numerous ecosystem services including carbon storage.
Wetlands are abundant on Vancouver Island, including the west shore.
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