NLIS 3
February 2, 2001
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)
wetland stewardship program on World Wetlands Day
February 2, 2001 is World Wetlands Day and the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture is taking this opportunity to launch a new school-based wetlands education program titled WaterScapes. The announcement was made today by the Minister responsible for Wildlife in Newfoundland and Labrador, Kevin Aylward.
The Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) is administered by the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division of the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods, but involves many partners including Wildlife Habitat Canada, Ducks Unlimited and the Canadian Wildlife Service. The aim of the EHJV in Newfoundland and Labrador is to protect and enhance wetlands and associated wildlife. This is achieved through municipal, private and corporate stewardship agreements, enhancement programs and public education. Minister Aylward stated, "It is only through the combined effort of all partners that the EHJV is able to function successfully and achieve its aims and goals."
"The WaterScapes program is designed to encourage an understanding of wetlands and wetlands issues through direct experience and stewardship," said Minister Aylward. "The cornerstone of the program is an activity guide containing easy to follow lesson plans, case studies and outreach projects based on local knowledge and ecology." WaterScapes has been designed to supplement the existing educational outcomes in classrooms from grades 4-8 and lessons are matched to the Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes from the Pan-Canadian Protocol for Collaboration on School Curriculum. The program will be piloted in participating schools in wetland stewardship communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in the upcoming months but will be officially launched on World Wetlands Day.
These stewardship communities are those that have made long term commitments to conserve important wetlands within their jurisdictions. Representatives from the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture will be traveling throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, visiting schools in communities participating in wetland stewardship. Participating classes will be involved in hands-on activities to help them discover the values and functions of wetlands, especially those in their local areas.
Minister Aylward singled out the Grand Codroy Estuary, located on the province's south west coast, as a prime example of a successful wetland stewardship initiative. "As a result of dedicated work by several community groups such as the Codroy Valley Development Association, the Grand Codroy Estuary is becoming a haven for bird watchers and eco-tourists. The site is an exceptionally fine example of a large coastal estuary and supports large numbers of ducks and geese."
The estuary was designated a �wetland of international importance' under the Ramsar Convention in May 1987. World Wetlands Day celebrates the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971 which created a worldwide movement to safeguard the world's wetlands. Ramsar boasts 123 member countries with 1,042 wetland sites of international importance.
Media contact:
Craig Renouf
Tel. (709) 729-6183
Mercia Conway
Tel. (709) 729-2544
email: mconway@mail.gov.nf.ca
Cynthia Layden-Barron
Tel. (709) 729-6183
Tel. (709) 729-2076
2001 02 02 3:10 p.m.
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