NLIS 3
February 2, 2005
(Environment and Conservation)


Minister recognizes World Wetlands Day

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, acknowledged that today, February 2, is World Wetlands Day - a day that is celebrated around the world in recognition of the importance of our wetlands. This year�s theme is There�s wealth in wetland diversity, don�t lose it.

"World Wetlands Day is a day to reflect on the value of wetlands to our lives," said Minister Osborne. "Our wetlands are integral in many ways such as helping to prevent flooding and erosion, acting as a natural filter for water, providing critical habitat for our wildlife. Our wetlands also provide recreational and educational opportunities."

The minister said government is committed to protecting and conserving wetlands in the province. "We recognize the importance of protecting our wetland habitat, and one of the areas where we are demonstrating this is through our Municipal Wetlands Stewardship Agreement program. This program highlights the value of wetlands in our province and encourages municipal and public participation in the protection of this valuable resource."

Minister Osborne added that efforts here in Newfoundland and Labrador, such as the Wetland Stewardship Agreement Program, play a significant role in the overall global commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of the world wetlands. "The first wetland stewardship agreement in this province was signed by the Town of Whitbourne in 1992 and, since then, several communities have signed the agreement. In fact, within this past year, I was pleased to sign an agreement with two municipalities - Happy Valley Goose Bay and St. John�s. We are working on future agreements with other municipalities."

The minister commended all communities who are involved in the Wetland Stewardship Agreement Program. "These communities are indeed demonstrating their commitment to protect and conserve their wetlands. As the minister responsible for wildlife ecosystem management in the province, I am encouraged by their leadership and dedication to saving our wetlands."

The province delivers the wetland stewardship program through the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV). The EHJV is a partnership of the governments of Canada, the six eastern provinces, Wildlife Habitat Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Nature Conservancy Canada and the Mining Association of Canada. It was established to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico that has been identified as one of the most ambitious and successful wildlife and habitat conservation programs. Over the last 15 years, the EHJV partners have conserved over two million hectares of wetland and associated upland habitat for wildlife. The Newfoundland and Labrador division of the EHJV is administered through the Natural Heritage Branch of the Department of Environment and Conservation.

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on the 2nd of February 1971. The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Wetlands comprise approximately 18 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador�s landbase.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 02 02                         1:50 p.m.


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