 |
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
|
| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VANCOUVER – Environment Minister Barry Penner announced measures to protect more endangered species while attending the opening ceremonies of the Canadian Geographic 2006 Canadian Environment Awards last night in Vancouver.
Forty-five new species were added to the category of species at risk under the Forest and Range Practices Act. The Ministry of Environment has authority to designate species to be protected under this act. These are provincially red- and blue-listed (endangered and threatened) species identified as being impacted by forest and range activities, and requiring specific habitat protection.
“British Columbia is Canada’s most biologically diverse province,” said Penner. “Our government is identifying and protecting those species and ecosystems that are most vulnerable.”
Penner was joined at the grand opening of the awards gala by numerous guests, including environmentalists, government representatives and industry leaders, who had gathered from across the country to attend the 2006 Canadian Environment Awards.
“It’s important to recognize the growing numbers of Canadians who are showing leadership in promoting environmental awareness,” said Penner. “A key responsibility of that leadership involves education and protection for species at risk.”
The Canadian Environment Awards is a national program that recognizes individuals and groups of Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to the protection, restoration and preservation of the Canadian environment.
For a list of the species added to the species at risk category, see the attached backgrounder.
For more information on the awards program, please visit the Canadian Geographic website at www.canadiangeographic.ca.
-30-
|
|
||
|
contact: |
Public Affairs Officer 250 953-4577 |
|
|
|
||
|
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
||
