Multipartite collaboration aims to protect the South Coast Fjords for current and future generations
Today, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to launch a feasibility assessment to establish South Coast Fjords as a new national marine conservation area (NMCA).
This vital next step in the process to safeguard marine and coastal waters in Canada was taken during a ceremony held in Burgeo, Newfoundland and Labrador, where the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, together with provincial ministers of Environment and Climate Change, and Industry, Energy and Technology, the Honourable Bernard Davis and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, along with Chief Misel Joe, Miawpukek First Nation, Chief Brendan Mitchell, Qalipu First Nation, and Mayor William Bowles, Town of Burgeo, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
A new national marine conservation area in the South Coast Fjords region would contribute to the Government of Canada's commitment to protect biodiversity and conserve 25 percent of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30 percent by 2030.
The signing of the MOU underlines the shared interest of Parks Canada, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation, and the Town of Burgeo in protecting the natural and cultural integrity of this globally significant ecosystem. The South Coast Fjords area is among the most productive marine environments in Atlantic Canada and is economically, culturally, and historically important to the region's Indigenous and coastal communities.
By initiating a formal process to study the biodiversity, economic, cultural, and historic values of the area through Indigenous and Western knowledge systems, these groups can come together and work collaboratively to ensure the health and longevity of the South Coast Fjords region and promote inclusivity for community groups in conservation planning and protected areas forums.
