          
DID YOU KNOW...Naturally-occurring ecosystem services provided by the Boreal, such as carbon storage and water filtration, are worth 2.5 times more than the value of extracting resources such as minerals and timber |
Media CentrePress Releases2004Manitoba conservation announcements welcomedJuly 11, 2004 - Ottawa The Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) applauds an announcement today by the Manitoba government to extend interim protection for the Poplar/Nanowin Rivers Provincial Park Reserve, a 770,000 hectare park reserve that is the traditional territory of Poplar River First Nation. "This is a critical step that supports the significant work underway by Poplar River First Nation to plan for the long-term conservation of its traditional territory, said CBI Director Cathy Wilkinson. "The Poplar River First Nation is a leader in conservation planning and the Manitoba government has an important role to play in advancing Poplar River's protected lands vision." The CBI, a national independent organization promoting conservation of Canada's boreal region, also welcomes Manitoba's announced commitment to permanently protect Chitek Lake park reserve in the Manitoba Lowlands. "There are tremendous conservation opportunities in Manitoba. At the same time, there are challenges in balancing competing interests," said Wilkinson. "We are pleased to see the province acting on these specific sites as a first step, and look forward to Manitoba's continued efforts to support conservation of irreplaceable boreal forests and wetlands across the province." "Today's announcement will enable Poplar River First Nation to continue to implement the spirit of the Boreal Forest Conservation Framework within its own territory," adds Wilkinson. The Boreal Forest Conservation Framework is a vision for a new and balanced approach to conservation and development launched by an extraordinary group of conservationists, First Nations and industry partners in late 2003. Poplar River First Nation is a member of the Boreal Leadership Council, convened by CBI, that developed the Framework. Manitoba's boreal region covers nearly 600,000 square kilometers, almost 90% of the province. Canada's boreal region contains one-quarter of the world's remaining original forests and huge expanses of wetlands. Canada's boreal is home to a vast array of wildlife, including migratory songbirds, waterfowl, bears, and caribou. It is an immensely important buffer against climate change. The region's natural wealth sustains hundreds of First Nations communities and supports thousands of jobs. -30- For more information: |
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