Parks Canada announces plan to connect Canadians to nature in the Western Arctic
October 26, 2018 Inuvik, Northwest Territories Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks are gateways to nature, adventure, and discovery, and their protection is important for Canadians across the country, and for the Government of Canada. The management plan for Ivvavik National Park was tabled in Parliament recently. Reviewed every 10 years, management plans are a legislative requirement of the Canada National Parks Act and guide the management of Parks Canada’s places. This management plan will help protect our nature and heritage of Ivvavik National Park.
The new plan for Ivvavik National Park outlines the following key objectives:
- Protect and conserve natural ecosystems, habitat, wildlife, cultural resources, and Inuvialuit practices.
- Encourage opportunities for use while respecting ecological and cultural values.
- Ensure meaningful and tangible opportunities that strengthen Inuvialuit benefits from park-related economic activities and management, with emphases placed on both direct benefits such as employment in park operations, as well as indirect benefits through park-related business opportunities.
- Develop understanding and awareness of the significance of the park to global natural and cultural diversity through the sharing of knowledge and experience with others.
Ivvavik National Park was established in 1984 through the provisions of the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (IFA) and together with Parks Canada, the Inuvialuit have worked to manage the park with attention to the spirit and intentions of the IFA. The continuing partnership, through bodies such as the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope), is central to the management and operation of the park and is integral to all aspects of the plan. In addition to the Wildlife Management Advisory Council (North Slope), other IFA-mandated cooperative management organizations and local community organizations worked together to develop the new plan.
Through this management plan, Parks Canada is meeting its promise to protect and present Canada’s natural heritage while also providing an opportunity for Canadians to experience and discover our environment in new and exciting ways.
