Funding for various local projects was announced today. Michael McLeod, NWTs Parliament representative announced eight new and ongoing projects which received contribution funding from the Government of Canada in 2018-19.
This funding was received under the Habitat Stewardship Program and the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk. McLeod made the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna.
The investment of $727,832 in the NWT will be used to fund these 8 ongoing projects:
– The Government of the Northwest Territories for $353,000 for three projects including
- Species at Risk Caribou Habitat viewer and online mapping tool in the boreal Caribou Range ($256,250);
- Bats in Buildings educational campaign and habitat use identification ($60,000);
- Developing species-at-risk advice for industry ($36,750);
– The Joint Secretariat Inuvialuit Settlement Region for Dolphin and Union Caribou management plan implementation ($161,373);
– The Acho Dene Koe First Nation for monitoring and traditional knowledge project for Boreal Caribou ($71,000);
– The Deninu K’ue First Nation for recovery of boreal caribou habitat after forest fires ($69,610);
– The Katlodeeche First Nation for mapping of traditional knowledge-based critical habitat areas ($44,800);
– The North Slave Metis Alliance for merging advanced technology and traditional knowledge for species at risk protection ($28,049).
The HSP and AFSAR are application-based conservation programs, which direct funds to individuals and communities that want to protect our environment and work on recovering Canada’s land-based species at risk. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for funding aquatic HSP and AFSAR projects.
McKenna states she’s proud to be partnering with individuals and communities who have joined the effort to protect species at risk and their habitats.
“Canadians know that only by working together can we protect our environment. By supporting the Indigenous communities already doing important conservation work, we’re ensuring we have the comprehensive knowledge needed for the recovery of our species at risk. I’m inspired by the Canadians taking leadership to protect Canada’s rich biodiversity today, for future generations.”
McLeod notes that protecting Canada’s rich natural heritage is an important commitment for today and for the future.
“As our climate changes and technology advances, we need to work together to help ensure we are doing our best to protect our habitats and contribute to the recovery of species at risk, as well as to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern. It’s good to see so many of our communities in the North working towards this goal.”
AFSAR projects involve Indigenous Peoples and communities in the important work of implementing the Species at Risk Act.
