May 1, 1998
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Provincial progress overlooked in world wildlife rating

Newfoundland and Labrador's ecological endeavours are not fairly represented in the "D" grade give by the World Wildlife Fund says Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Sandra Kelly.

The province's grade for wilderness protection efforts was set under the 1998 "Endangered Spaces Progress Report" issued jointly by World Wildlife Fund Canada and the provincial Protected Areas Association. In 1997, Newfoundland and Labrador was awarded a "C-" by the environmental groups.

Kelly says the WWF has failed to recognize the significant amount of work the province has done in the preservation of protected areas.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is a vast province, and the logistical effort required to identify areas that represent all provincial ecosystems is immense," Kelly said. "Government has made incredible progress in its assessment of its natural areas, but we will not enact any expedient legislation simply to raise our assessment by the World Wildlife Fund."

Kelly says her department's development of legislation for the protection of natural areas is very advanced, but will not be undertaken before a public information campaign. "Last summer we reaffirmed our commitment to having a natural areas systems plan based on the representation of eco-regions," Kelly said. "We're not rushing the plan to meet WWF deadlines. We're doing it with the proper analysis, and we expect to proceed with it this year.

"It is essential that the public understand a natural areas systems plan would not limit traditional pursuits such as fishing, hiking, or licenced hunting," she said. "The natural areas systems plan would only restrict natural resource development, ensuring that key wilderness areas, streams and beaches remain available and protected for the enjoyment of future generations."

The minister noted that the WWF's criticism of last year's leasing of 21 provincial parks to private operators also misses the point of the endeavour, as the areas remain protected from any resource development. They can only be operated as parks.

"The 21 provincial parks were leased to third parties with firm conditions attached," she said. "Each of these areas are still owned by the Crown, are leased to private operators, and strict environmental guidelines and caveats remain in effect for the duration of the lease."

As to specific comments in the WWF report, the minister pointed out that Little Grand Lake is already protected because of various development restrictions. Government has stated publicly its objective of creating a reserve to protect the area.

The government has also stated its support for the proposed Torngat National Park, during the land claims announcement. This process has been delayed because of court action taken against the federal government by the Makivik of Quebec.

Kelly says she fully appreciates the desire of the WWF and the Protected Areas Association to see the provincial government enact legislation that ensures the protection of key Newfoundland and Labrador ecosystems. However, she says that this will not happen before appropriate departmental evaluations, and an extensive public consultation exercise have been carried out.

"Government remains committed to the protection of natural areas in Newfoundland and Labrador," Kelly said. "The process is going very well, and we are proud of our record."

Contact: Doug Burgess, (709) 729-0928.