GOVERNMENT OF CANADA ANNOUNCES $1,754,205 IN FUNDING FOR HABITAT AND SPECIES AT
Date: Thursday, July 07 @ 10:09:43 CDT
Topic: Canada
VICTORIA, July 6, 2005 - Federal Environment Minister Stéphane Dion today announced a contribution of $1,754,205 toward 42 projects designed to help conserve habitat and species at risk in British Columbia and the Yukon. Funding is allocated under the Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) for Species at Risk.
“The projects funded this year will have lasting benefits for many species at risk, from the smallest plants and animals, right up to larger species like the Sea Otter, White Sturgeon, North Pacific Right Whale and Wood Bison” said Minister Dion. “Atmospheric change, pollution, invasive species, habitat fragmentation and human population growth are heavy stresses on species and ecosystems which is why the Habitat Stewardship Program is enabling Canadians to become actively involved in stewardship projects. The Program helps secure and restore healthy habitat for species at risk”, he said.
The goal of the Habitat Stewardship Program is to maintain and restore habitat critical to species at risk throughout Canada by encouraging the implementation of conservation projects by community groups, private landowners, First Nations and local governments. The Program works to establish overall priorities and contributes funding to HSP projects led by partner organizations. In 2005-2006, $9.2 million is being invested by the Government of Canada in the Program for 153 projects across Canada.
“Throughout the world, Canada is known for its natural heritage and its citizens for their love of nature. Canadians understand that the prosperity of the Natural World is the foundation upon which our society and economy is built” said the Minister. ”We know that the conservation of species and habitat is critical to achieving a more prosperous future because a healthier environment helps protect and provide for Canada’s long-term economic well-being”, said Minister Dion.
In British Columbia, the majority of projects funded by the Habitat Stewardship Program this year focus on stewardship efforts related to large marine mammals, the rare Garry Oak ecosystems of southern Vancouver Island, and recovery efforts specific to species that are at risk in Canada’s only desert area, the South Okanagan.
A number of projects related to habitat stewardship and big mammals like the Grizzly Bear, the Caribou and the Wood Bison are taking place this year in the Yukon with Habitat Stewardship Program funds.
The Habitat Stewardship Program is a partnership-based conservation initiative sponsored by the Government of Canada. The Program is managed cooperatively by Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada, and is administered by Environment Canada. It is one of three major components in the Government of Canada Strategy for the Protection of Species at Risk. The other two components are the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk, endorsed by the provinces, territories and the Government of Canada, as well as the Species at Risk Act.
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