BACKGROUNDER
Science Division, research institute and Natural Heritage Stewardship Secretariat

The Science Division of the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science and the Natural Heritage Stewardship Secretariat, are three new components of an innovative and comprehensive approach to improved resource conservation of the province�s natural areas. With the department�s Inland Fish and Wildlife Division and the Parks and Recreation Division, the aim is for long term goals such as increased funding for natural resource research, an established body of scientific expertise, and an operational program to ensure that the outdoor resources of Newfoundland and Labrador will be successfully managed. This, in turn, will provide a long term resource management capacity and demonstrate that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador considers the province�s natural resources one of its priorities.

The Science Division in the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation will complement the work of the Inland Fish and Wildlife Division and the Parks and Recreation Division by fostering the best and most effective programs of research and scientific inquiry and enhancing this province�s role as a leader in science-based management and sustainment of resources. The new division will partner with academic researchers and resource management agencies, nationally and internationally, to ensure the quality and integrity of the province�s natural resource science program. In addition, the division will aim to maximize benefits, increase relevance, and enhance the educational programs of the province�s wildlife and natural areas through a research and inventories program.

The Natural Heritage Stewardship Secretariat will promote partnerships between the provincial and federal governments, the private sector, various conservation organizations and academia to secure additional research funds to support the long term goals of government.

The Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science will ensure that the research and knowledge requirements of the provincial government will become a focus of the academic community of the province. Government departments, non-governmental agencies and the private sector will conduct research with Memorial University extending its expertise on resource conservation.

In July 2000, government established the Council of Ministers on the Use of Outdoor Resources. Members of the council are: Minister Beaton Tulk, Deputy Premier and Chair of the Council, Department of Industry Trade and Rural Development; Minister Kevin Aylward, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Minister Ralph Wiseman, Department of Environment; and Minister Ernest McLean, Department of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs.

Media contact: Vanessa Colman-Sadd, Communications, (709) 729-0857.

2002 03 21                             3:30 p.m.