Islanders are being asked to consider how climate change will affect wildlife and wildlife habitat as they celebrate 2002 National Wildlife Week.
Today in the Provincial Legislature, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment Chester Gillan designated April 7-13 National Wildlife Week in Prince Edward Island. This year's theme is "Climate Is Changing - Help Wildlife Weather the Storm."
"When we talk about climate change, it is usually the human impacts we focus on. However, it is important to remember that climate change has the potential to have a significant effect on wildlife and wildlife habitat in Prince Edward Island," said Minister Gillan.
For example, the Minister noted, rising sea levels may impact on nesting beaches used by shorebirds; heavier rainfall can increase the volume of runoff, silting streams, bays and estuaries that provide habitat for trout and other fish species, and key stopovers for migratory birds; and rising sea levels may negatively affect the fragile balance of salt marshes that serve as habitat for a wide range of fish and wildlife species.
"Through National Wildlife Week, we want to draw attention to this aspect of climate change and emphasize how important it is that we all do what we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to climate change," he added.
Minister Gillan said his department has once again provided National Wildlife Week kits to more than 700 Island teachers for use in the classroom. Through the Wildlife Week kit, students will learn about the value of wildlife and habitat, the potential impacts of climate change on species and spaces, and how everyday human activities can help or harm. As well, students have the opportunity to collect data on plants and animals for a national survey of biological indicators of climate change.
Also part of the National Wildlife Week celebrations, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment, in cooperation with the PEI Wildlife Federation, is sponsoring a poster contest for elementary school students. The contest was piloted in the Eastern School District last year and, after a tremendous response, is being extended province-wide this year. Island Nature Trust is once again providing the grand prizes - participation in the Adopt-an-Eagle program for the winners' school class.
"National Wildlife Week provides a wonderful opportunity to teach our younger citizens about the beauty of our native plants and animals in Prince Edward Island and to remind us of the importance of protecting these resources," said Minister Gillan. "I encourage all Islanders to celebrate National Wildlife Week by taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve and enhance habitat for wildlife."
The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment provides financial assistance and technical support for community wildlife habitat initiatives through the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program and the Wildlife Conservation Fund Program.
For more information on National Wildlife Week, the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program or the Wildlife Conservation Fund Program, or to find out more about how you can preserve and enhance habitat for wildlife, contact the Fish and Wildlife Division at (902) 368-4683.