Conserving and restoring nature is vital to help combat climate change; protect biodiversity and species at risk; and maintain a strong, sustainable economy. Biodiversity, globally and in Canada, is declining at a rate unprecedented in human history. We all depend on nature to supply us with food, clean water, breathable air, and a livable climate.
Today, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have committed to accelerate the creation of new protected areas in the province. In recognition of the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation efforts that can support broader environmental goals and climate change resiliency, the two governments agreed to work together to:
- Establish Eagle River Watershed protected area, in consultation with Indigenous communities, by 2025;
- Negotiate a memorandum of understanding by the end of 2022 to assess the feasibility of a South Coast Fjords national marine conservation area and consider an adjacent national park in the Burgeo region; and
- Agree to advance marine conservation opportunities on the Labrador Coast in partnership with Labrador Indigenous communities.
The two governments also agreed to investigate the identification of additional national marine conservation areas, national wildlife areas, national parks, and Fisheries and Oceans-led marine conservation areas in Newfoundland and Labrador. This work builds upon the collaborative efforts between the governments and the legacy and benefits that the four existing national parks bring to the provincial economy. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is supportive of these important efforts to increase protected areas and decrease biodiversity loss.
Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador also agreed to advance negotiations on a Nature Agreement that will focus on advancing a number of nature-related issues, including habitat protection for species at risk and migratory birds.
The Government of Canada has made significant investments to support nature and nature-based climate solutions. This includes committing to protect 25 percent of lands and oceans by 2025 while working towards 30 percent by 2030. These investments will help to decrease the country's overall net greenhouse gas emissions to help Canada meet its 2030 Paris Agreement and 2050 net‑zero targets. In 2019, the Government of Canada also announced a new protection standard for new federal marine protected areas in which oil and gas exploration and exploitation, mining, dumping, and bottom trawling will be prohibited.
By working together, climate change can be tackled and biodiversity loss halted. The future depends on taking action now.
