Province needs strategy for protected areas now

Nature Newfoundland and Labrador applauds the signing of stewardship agreements between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Town of Centreville-wareham-trinity and the Town of Pouch Cove.

The first agreement will protect more than 5,000 acres of wetland nesting and staging habitats for ducks and other waterfowl. The agreement with the Town of Pouch Cove will also see more than 600 acres of wetland and coastline that will protect sensitive wildlife habitat for a variety of waterfowl, shorebird, seabird and songbird populations, while also offering enhanced protection for parts of the East Coast Trail.

These are important additions to the excellent Municipal Stewardship Program. These communities join nearly 40 other municipalities that have signed stewardship agreements protecting nearly 41,900 acres.

As important as these new initiatives are, however, this province needs to accelerate the establishment of protected areas through the release and implementation of a protected areas strategy. Every province except Newfoundland and Labrador has released their strategies, some more than 20 years ago. Nature NL calls upon the current government to meet their election commitment and release our longoverdue protected areas strategy.

Douglas Ballam, president Nature Newfoundland and Labrador