The public has a new opportunity to voice its support for the proposed World Heritage Site (WHS) that spans the eastern side of Manitoba into northwestern Ontario. As part of its BioGems campaign regarding the area known as the 'Heart of the Boreal', the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is asking its supporters to send a letter to cabinet Ministers in Manitoba and Ontario urging the governments to follow the lead of the federal government and support the proposed WHS.
The letter urges the governments to: work with the First Nations who have proposed the WHS in order to protect these globally important lands; and provide support for the First Nations' plans for conservation and management of these traditional lands. Two significant wilderness parks, one in each province, are part of the WHS nomination.
"Ottawa has let Canadians know that their federal government is behind the First Nations' visions of international recognition for protecting and managing their traditional lands", said Manitoba Wildlands Director, Gaile Whelan Enns, "It is time for the Manitoba government to formally state its intention to support this internationally significant boreal forest World Heritage Site."
The previous action letter on the NRDC site went to Canada's Environment Minister to request the establishment of a federal environmental review panel for the Wuskwatim hydro projects proposed in northern Manitoba. Over 47,000 letters have been forwarded to date.
View the NRDC Nature's Voice article on the Boreal Forest
Sources: NRDC, Manitoba Wildlands
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