Federal Environment Minister Sergio Marchi and
Prince Edward Island Minister of Environmental Resources Barry Hicken announced today that more than 10,000 acres of wetland wildlife habitat in PEI has been included in a co-operative conservation program of the federal and provincial governments with other non-governmental partners and the United States.
"This program is an excellent example of the beneficial results that come from a federal/provincial partnership," said Minister Marchi, that also involves individual landowners and non-governmental conservation organizations like Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada and the Island Nature Trust."
Funding of about $4 million has been invested in PEI through the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture during the last eight years as part of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The funds have been used to acquire some land and develop private stewardship agreements ith more than 400 private landowners on the Island. The announcement was made during a national meeting of all provincial ministers responsible for wildlife being held in Charlottetown.
"Wetland habitat is extremely important on Prince Edward Island" said Minister Hicken. "Not only do these important ecosystems provide habitat for wildlife, they also help purify and maintain PEI's water supply and contribute to the health and recreational needs of the people who live here."
The key to success for this co-operative program on the island has been the involvement of private landowners who recognize the importance of maintaining and enhancing wetlands on their own properties. In addition, many landowners have realized the economic benefit of practicing soil conservation and some are exploring a method of treating farm waste water through the use of wetlands.
Through their participation partnership in this international agreement with Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, Prince Edward Islanders have made a major contribution to habitat conservation in all three countries by showing how private individuals can make a real difference by protecting and conserving their wetland ecosystems.
Minister Marchi and Hicken concluded, "All of Canada's Ministers responsible for wildlife can take great pride in this partnership and join with us in celebrating the tenth anniversary of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. They join with us in recognizing that these remarkable results bear testimony to the thousands of Canadians from all walks of life who have dedicated their time, money and energy to the cause of wildlife conservation."
Scientists are predicting a fall migration of 85 million birds, an increase of 25 million in just two years. This impact was largely due to the availability of habitat conserved and enhanced during the first 10 years of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.
For more information contact:
Roger White, Office of the Minister, Environment Canada, (819) 997-1441
Art Smith, Director, Fish and Wildlife Division, Prince Edward Island Department of Environmental Resources, (902)-368-6083, E-mail: hasmith@gov.pe.ca
Dr. George Finney, Director, Environmental Conservation Branch, Environment Canada Atlantic Region, Chair, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, (506) 364-5044, E-mail: finneyg@cpdar.am.doe.ca
(Également offert en français)