Press release:
For immediate release

Gatineau, June 5^th, 2024 — The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Ottawa Valley Chapter (CPAWS-OV) would like to congratulate the Quebec government on its efforts to enhance its network of protected areas with a call for projects allowing communities to suggest public natural spaces to be conserved. Until October 15, 2024, the general public will be able to submit proposals for natural environments to be protected, announced Mr. Benoit Charrette, Minister of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Laurentian region, on June 5, 2024. 

A well-connected network of protected areas is necessary for the survival of Quebec’s flora and fauna, especially faced with the climate crisis and the crisis of biodiversity loss we are experiencing. Protecting natural environments not only safeguards habitats and ecosystems, but also helps combat climate change. What’s more, it ensures that communities will have continued access to nature in order to preserve our physical and mental well-being. CPAWS-OV therefore urges the Quebec government to support regional initiatives in the south of the province, where green spaces are under greater pressure from both urban sprawl and the industrial exploitation of our natural resources. It is also in these regions that we find the most status species, including the wood turtle.

“We hope to see southwestern Quebec well represented. Our region is rich in biodiversity and, what’s more, it contains a strong potential for ecological corridors that are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change, on a continental scale“, explains John McDonnell, CPAWS-OV’s Executive Director. 

CPAWS-OV would also like to congratulate the Quebec government on this exercise in citizen mobilization. Indeed, the call for projects from the general public will enable individuals to get involved in managing their natural heritage and preserving the natural environments where they hunt, fish and engage in recreational tourism activities.   

 “Involving communities, and Indigenous communities in particular, in this decision means recognizing the special bond Indigenous Peoples have with nature”
says Geneviève Le Blanc, CPAWS-OV Director of Conservation. 

We are delighted to learn that the call for projects will be facilitated by substantial funding for the Société pour la nature et les parcs – section Québec (SNAP Québec) and the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI), which will support communities in their protected area proposals. These organizations can help local groups organize and increase their power to act.    

To see the communication released by the government: https://rb.gy/wvj25z

About CPAWS-OV

For over 50 years, the Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-OV) has worked to protect and preserve biodiversity in the Ottawa Valley by promoting and defending ecological integrity in public land management, working with other local and regional environmental groups, and collaborating with Indigenous communities, industry and government.

For more information :

Geneviève Le Blanc
Conservation director
CPAWS-OV
613-569-7226 p. 232
gleblanc@cpaws.org
www.cpaws-ov-vo.org.