Expanding conserved and protected areas around the world is one of the most important actions countries can take to curb the ongoing loss of nature and biodiversity, and mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, and Chief Peter Powder of the Mikisew Cree First Nation announced a large expansion of the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park in Northern Alberta. Through $5.3 million in funding under the Canada Nature Fund, the Mikisew Cree First Nation and the Government of Alberta have expanded the park's existing western border. This collaboration expands the park by 1,438 km2 and significantly adds to the largest connected area of protected boreal forest in the world.
The newly protected area will expand protected habitat for species at risk, including the threatened Ronald Lake wood bison herd and boreal caribou, as well as the endangered whooping crane. The expanded portion of the park also fulfills an objective of the Mikisew Cree First Nation's land use plan to conserve an ecologically and culturally important watershed.
By working closely with Indigenous leaders in conservation and provincial and territorial partners, the Government of Canada is making progress toward its conservation targets. The expansion of Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park marks another important milestone in the government's goal of conserving 25% of land and oceans in Canada by 2025, and working toward 30% of each by 2030.
Today is also World Wetlands Day, a day that annually recognizes the critical importance of wetlands for the health and wellbeing of many species, including humans. Moreover, World Wetlands Day reminds us of the vital role of conservation and nature-based climate solutions to address climate change in Canada and around the world. Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Provincial Park increases the protection of waters flowing into the Peace-Athabasca Delta, a globally recognized wetland and one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world.
