Government of Canada Launches Public Review Period of Draft Action Plan for Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site
Press Release
November 19, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today issued the following statement on the progress made to date to ensure the ongoing protection of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site:
“We recognize the Outstanding Universal Value of Canada’s 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Wood Buffalo National Park, and we are committed to their ongoing protection. Protecting our natural and cultural heritage is essential to our environment, our economy and our communities. That’s why we are committed to doubling the amount of nature protected in Canada, from coast to coast to coast.
In July 2017, the World Heritage Committee requested that Canada take steps to ensure the protection of the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site. We are responding to the World Heritage Committee’s request as part of our commitment to protect Canada’s heritage places now, and for future generations.
Through Budget 2018, our government has demonstrated its commitment to Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site by providing $27.5 million in funding over five years to support the development of an action plan so that it will always be a treasured place with Outstanding Universal Value.
I am pleased to announce that, through collaboration with Indigenous groups and federal, provincial and territorial partners, the draft Action Plan has been completed and it is now available for public review and feedback.
The draft Action Plan was developed through collective efforts of the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, the Government of the Northwest Territories, and with Indigenous partners with an interest in Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site.
Key measures include actions:
· to strengthen relationships with Indigenous peoples in the management of the site;
· to support the preservation of ecosystems within and beyond the World Heritage Site;
· to support improved monitoring of ecosystems and biodiversity in the Peace Athabasca Delta; and,
· to support an improved understanding of hydrology and water flow of the Peace Athabasca Delta system.
National parks help protect the natural and cultural heritage for all Canadians, and I encourage everyone to share their views on the future of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site.
All partners will continue to work to preserve the Outstanding Universal Value of Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site and address the important issues identified by the World Heritage Committee. By working together, we can protect more of our nature and our heritage.”
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Caroline Thériault
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
caroline.theriault2@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
ILR5
