07/06/2005 - The Honourable
Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment
and the Honourable Geoff Regan, Minister of
Fisheries and Oceans today announced $9.2
million in funding to help protect species
at risk and their habitat. The funding supports
153 Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) projects
across Canada.
The Habitat Stewardship Program for species
at risk is in its sixth year of operation.
Its goal is to contribute to the recovery
and protection of species listed under the
Species at Risk Act as endangered, threatened
or of special concern. Since Program inception,
Canadian stewardship projects have benefited
the habitat of hundreds of species at risk.
“The Habitat Stewardship Program enables
Canadians to become actively involved in stewardship
projects to help secure and restore healthy
habitat for species at risk,” said Minister
Dion, Minister. “The conservation of species
is critical to guide the way to a healthier
environment that in turn will allow for Canada’s
long-term economic well-being.”
Habitat stewardship projects cover a wide
range of stewardship activities. For instance,
in the Yukon stewards are protecting calving
Woodland Caribou habitat to assist in rebuilding
the diminished herd. Another HSP project,
through targeted public awareness and education
programs, will manage near-shore habitat degradation
and loss to the Lake Winnipeg Physa Snail.
“What makes the Program such a success is
the tremendous efforts of dedicated Canadians
who are working together across the country
to protect species at risk,” said Minister
Regan. “Concerned Canadians are working in
partnership to protect aquatic species such
as Leatherback Turtles, Right Whales, White
Sturgeon, Wolffish and many more.”
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.
More information on the Species at Risk Act,
the Habitat Stewardship Program for species
at risk, and on Canada’s Strategy for the
Protection of Species at Risk, can be found
on the Internet at: www.speciesatrisk.gc.ca.
