Montreal –
The Yukon and federal governments have signed a new agreement to advance nature conservation and conservation across the territory.
The two governments announced the Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement at the COP15 global biodiversity talks in Montreal on Wednesday.
They say it’s a Canadian first.
The agreement aims to support Aboriginal leadership in protecting and supporting the recovery of endangered species such as the North Mountain caribou and grizzly bear.
It has set a goal of protecting or conserving an additional 6 percent of the Yukon’s wilderness, reaching 25 percent by 2025.
The Canadian government has committed $20.6 million to implement the agreement.
“The Yukon is on the front lines of climate change and nature conservation. Our northern way of life depends on the land, and the protection of the land is in our hands,” Yukon Liberal MP Brendan Hanley said in a statement. “The Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement marks a new chapter in the protection and conservation of the North and all the rich life it supports.”
The territory said it had protected about 19 percent of its area.
The federal government has committed to protecting 25% of Canada’s land and water resources by 2025 and 30% by 2030.
“The Government of Canada is taking bold action to protect our natural environment, our best ally in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss,” Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said in a statement. “Together with the Yukon government, we are Protect more sensitive habitats, support the recovery of endangered species, and restore ecosystems across the region.”
The Canadian Press report was first published on December 14, 2022.