NLIS 9
April 7, 2000
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Legacy Nature Trust Board inaugurated

The Newfoundland and Labrador Legacy Nature Trust is a non-profit agency with a mandate to raise funds nationally and internationally to finance conservation projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. The provincial government has contributed $1 million in seed funding over five years.

Kevin Aylward, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, said today: "The trust has been established under a board of directors with broad community, environmental, business and research interests and experience. The chairman is John Perlin, CM.., CVO. Directors are Paul Antle - SCC Environmental, Chip Bird - Western Newfoundland and Labrador Parks Canada, George Bradbury - Scotia Bank, Edna Hall - Canadian Heritage, Tom Humphrey - Corner Brook businessman and conservationist, Jon Lein - Whale Research Group, David Moores - Bay Roberts businessman, Gordon Slade - Cruiseship Authority of Newfoundland and Labrador, Stuart Weldon - retired businessman and conservationist. The board will also include a government representative as well as two at large representatives to ensure regional representation.

"The Legacy Nature Trust will work in the interest of conservation, taking a province wide approach to identify conservation priorities and projects. The trust will then develop a marketing plan; undertake fundraising campaigns with the goal of increasing overall funding for conservation initiatives in the province." The Newfoundland and Labrador Legacy Nature trust was modeled after the Island Nature Trust in Prince Edward Island and the Nature Trust of British Columbia.

"It is important to note that the Legacy Nature Trust will not compete for funding with other conservation groups in the province, rather it will work with other groups to identify conservation priorities for the province and then seek to match those needs with sources of funding. The tust will consult with stakeholders throughout the province on programs and projects that will be considered for support," Mr. Aylward stated. "This board will exercise leadership and vision to promote the development and implementation of broad, multi-partner conservation initiatives, while levering available human and financial resources to the maximum. This non-governmental organization can attract significant resources for conservation activities in the province by accessing new sources of funding, mainly from outside the province. This will bring leadership and a province wide vision to conservation issues."

John Perlin, chair of the Legacy Nature Trust said: "There is a serious gap in the conservation capabilities of Newfoundland and Labrador. Our province is losing out substantially by not accessing charitable funding available largely from external sources. There is widespread recognition of a need for increased funding in support of measures to preserve and enhance bio-diversity and ecosystems in the province. We recognize the fundamental cultural and economic importance of the natural environment we have inherited. We are determined to conserve our legacy for our children and the world."

In closing Mr. Perlin also said: "We do not need another agency to compete for funding with existing groups rather we need the resources and skills for sustained fund-raising. This trust is to provide support to existing conservation groups. Skillfully marketed, Newfoundland and Labrador and the wilderness images it evokes, can be a powerful drawing card. We will maintain a province-wide mandate and approach by promoting conservation of our natural resources, ensuring the legacy of our culture and natural heritage is sustained, and providing opportunity to raise funds on the international market."

Media contact: Craig Renouf , (709) 685-6612, fax: (709) 729-2076.

2000 04 07                                         4:35 p.m.