Nunavut: Environment profile

• Climate Change Strategies: Nunavut Climate Change Strategy (2003)
• Total NU Emissions, 2013: 221 Kt (Source: Environment Canada’s National Inventory Report, 2015)
• NU's Contribution to total Canadian GHG Emissions, 2013: 0.03%
• Ranked the lowest GHG emitter amongst Canadian provinces and territories in 2013
• GHG per Capita, 2012: 17.9 tonnes (all territories combined); ranked 5^th highest GHG emitter per Capita, 2012
• The adaptation strategy Upagiaqtavut: Setting the Course was released in 2011 and provides a framework and strategic objectives for climate change adaptation in Nunavut.
• A Climate Change Centre was created in 2012 to assist the government in the implementation of the recommendations the adaptation strategy and provide information to the territory’s residents.
• In 2011, the Government of Nunavut, along with those of Yukon and the Northwest Territories, released the Pan-territorial Adaptation Strategy to ensure partnership, sharing of information, innovation, and technology, and coordination of climate change adaptation actions.
• From 2001 to 2005, the Nunavut government initiated Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit of Climate Change in Nunavut, a territory-wide examination of Inuit traditional knowledge through interviews to collect Inuit perspectives with respect to climate change.

Water

Departments responsible for water:

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC);

Minister responsible for water:

Hon. Johnny Mike

Legislation and regulations:

Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act, Nunavut Waters and Surface Rights Tribunal Act

• Water Strategies: Policy Respecting the Prohibition of Bulk Water Removal from Major River Basins in Nunavut (AANDC policy)
• Water management in NU is the responsibility of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and the Nunavut Water Board.
• AANDC is involved in water management and planning activities. It also participates in regulatory activities, such as environmental assessment and water licencing, by reviewing applications, monitoring compliance, and providing recommendations and technical advice to the Nunavut Water Board and the Nunavut Impact Review Board.
• The Nunavut Water Board (NWB) was established under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement in 1996 and is responsible for the use, management, and regulation of inland fresh water in Nunavut, except in national parks. The NWB contributes to the development of land use plans as they concern water in the Nunavut Settlement Area. It has an advisory function for marine areas and is also a member of the Nunavut Marine Council.
• Key water priorities include hydrometric monitoring, land use planning, infrastructure projects, and climate change impacts and adaptation.

EC and NU Collaboration on Water

• Hydrometric Monitoring Program
• Nunavut Impact Review Board
• Arctic Net Integrated Regional Impact Studies
• Municipal Wastewater Effluent Research

Biodiversity and wildlife

Department responsible for biodiversity and wildlife:

Department of Environment

Minister responsible for biodiversity and wildlife:

Hon. Johnny Mike

Legislation:

Nunavut Wildlife Act, Environmental Protection Act, Forest Management Act, Forest Protection Act, Territorial Parks Act

• Biodiversity and Conservation Strategies: Wildlife Management Program, Parks and Special Places Program

• NU does not have a specific biodiversity strategy.
• The Parks and Special Places program designates and manages Nunavut’s territorial parks and special places, including protecting the biodiversity and integrity of NU’s natural and cultural heritage and landscape.
• The NU Department of Environment’s Wildlife Management Program is responsible for the management of terrestrial wildlife and develops management plans based on both scientific and traditional Inuit knowledge. Under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, wildlife is co-managed by the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board and the territorial (terrestrial wildlife and habitat) and federal (fish, marine mammals and habitat, and migratory birds) governments.
• Percentage of freshwater and land protected in NU: 10.0% (Source: Canadian Environment Sustainability Indicators, 2013)
• Environment Canada maintains 16 protected areas in NU, including 5 National Wildlife Areas and 8 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, comprising over 10 million hectares of NU’s protected lands and waters.
• The largest protected area in Canada is located in NU – the Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which covers more than 6 million hectares of marine and terrestrial habitat.