Wilderness Areas Act to Top Legislative Priority

Environment Minister Don Downe says he welcomes the support of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the introduction and passage of the Wilderness Areas Act.

"I helped start the process of protecting these special sites when I was minister of Natural Resources. Now, I want to complete the job this spring by moving the necessary legislation through the House," said Mr. Downe.

The Wilderness Areas Act will ensure the environmental integrity of 31 specially designated areas across the province. They were selected for protection following extensive public consultations.

The minister also appealed to the two opposition parties to support the legislation. "I am sure that the other parties in the House will agree that saving these beautiful areas is something we all want to see happen as quickly as possible," he said.

Extensive work on management plans for the 31 sites will begin shortly. These plans will be developed in close consultation with communities and groups already involved in nature and outdoor recreation.

Mr. Downe said the most recent report of the World Wildlife Fund shows that Nova Scotia is moving in the right direction. The WWF has raised the province's mark from C-to C+. Nova Scotia and British Columbia are tied for third place in the annual environmental rating.

"We expect the province's environmental rating will continue going in the right direction next year as well," said the minister.

"A few years ago Nova Scotia took a nation leading step forward," said Monte Hummel, president of WWF Canada. "Nova Scotia continues to propose significant initiatives for both endangered species and endangered spaces, but lags in converting them into reality. Nova Scotia needs to follow through with its intentions, then take the same vision into the marine area."

Mr. Downe laid out a number of programs that show the province is already working hard on marine conservation.

"Our coastal zone management initiative and the work we are doing to protect Sable Island shows we are already moving ahead," said the minister. "I believe that the recent passage of the Oceans Act by the federal government will help ensure the environmental integrity of sensitive marine areas," said Mr. Downe.