Environment and Conservation
July 28, 2010
Coastal Stewardship Agreement Signed in
Burgeo
The Town of Burgeo is committed to protecting
the habitat of the common eider and a small thrush-sized shorebird known
as the endangered piping plover. This commitment was officially
recognized today through the signing of a coastal stewardship agreement
between the town and the Provincial Government. The Honourable Charlene
Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, was represented at
the signing by Ed Buckingham, MHA for St. John's East.
"This program is designed to foster
co-operation among the town, local residents, interest groups and the
partners of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, and help ensure the
sustainability of eider duck and piping plover populations," said
Minister Johnson. "The signing of a coastal stewardship agreement in
Burgeo is a testimony to the community's dedication to conserving these
species and their habitat, and I congratulate them on their efforts."
In 1986, in light of a drastic decline in
North American waterfowl populations and in an effort to effectively
reverse the trend, the governments of Canada and the United States
signed the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) with a goal
to return waterfowl populations to 1970s levels by actively conserving
wetland and upland habitat. In 1994, Mexico signed on to that agreement,
making it a truly continental initiative.
To implement NAWMP, joint ventures were
established throughout North America. The Eastern Habitat Joint Venture
was established in 1989. Partners are the six eastern provinces,
Environment Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service, Ducks Unlimited Canada,
Wildlife Habitat Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The
Newfoundland and Labrador division of the EHJV is administered through
the Wildlife Division of the Department of Environment and Conservation.
"It is important to enhance awareness around
the importance of conserving coastal waterfowl, which has special
relevance for the residents of Burgeo," said Minister Johnson. "This
innovative program helps communities strike a balance between the
environment and community development, while helping ensure that
wildlife resources are protected."
"This agreement is of great importance to
Burgeo, as well as the larger south coast ecosystem and the sea duck and
plover populations using it," said Burgeo Mayor Gerald MacDonald. "This
is a wonderful initiative that highlights our focus on environmental
stewardship."
The Coastal Stewardship Program was developed
by the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture to encourage communities that have
a historic relationship with coastal areas frequented by eider ducks to
recognize the value of this resource and to accept a stewardship role in
maintaining their integrity. Common eiders nest on coastal islands and
rear their young on the shoals that are usually associated with these
islands and along nearby coastlines. Significant concentrations of
overwintering eiders can be found in these areas. The Town of Burgeo is
also a very significant site provincially for the endangered piping
plover. The area includes a total of 11 beaches that have been deemed
suitable piping plover habitat. This agreement seeks to engage council
and local residents in wise use practices during their everyday
activities as well as enhancement activities surrounding this valuable
wildlife habitat.
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Media contacts:
Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation 709-729-2575,
689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca |
Gerald MacDonald
Mayor
Town of Burgeo
709-886-2250 |
2010 07 28
11:20 a.m.
|