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. |