06/07/2005 - 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.
