BANFF, ALBERTA, June 29, 2006 -- Today, an innovative project was launched in Banff National Park of Canada to promote interaction and learning while providing memorable experiences for the 1.5 million regional visitors to Canada's flagship national park. The $2.4 million Banff EcoIntegrity Project was announced by Mr. Myron Thompson, Member of Parliament for Wild Rose, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
"Parks Canada staff are the guides, the storytellers and the guardians of some of Canada's most cherished places," said Minister Ambrose. "This important project will build on the role played by Parks Canada and provide visitors with opportunities to experience and enjoy Banff National Park in ways that engage them and allow them to create their own unique connection to this national treasure."
The Banff EcoIntegrity Project exemplifies the three elements of Parks Canada's mandate - visitor experience, education and protection. Through visitor research and the use of new technology, the Banff EcoIntegrity Project will provide the public with new experience and learning opportunities to understand how Parks Canada manages, protects and maintains healthy ecosystems.
"This project is a wonderful way of building knowledge and understanding and involving visitors in protecting a national park they love," said Mr. Thompson. "In addition, aspects of this initiative are intended to have a legacy, where lessons learned and best practices can be incorporated in other national parks across the country."
Over the next several years, Parks Canada staff will be developing and testing new learning programs for visitors at various stages of their trip - as they plan, while they're in the park and after they return home. In the future, Banff National Park visitors will meet more roving interpreters at all times of the year and in some unexpected new places. Visitors will be able to log on to an on-line panel to discuss park issues, and maybe even sign up for a volunteer project.
Today's launch included the new Roadside Bear Guardian Program, which features Parks Canada interpreters who will travel through the park in vans decorated with powerful graphic messages. Their work will serve to prevent dangerous wildlife jams and provide visitors with essential information on bears.
Funding for the Banff EcoIntegrity Project comes from Parks Canada's Priority Themes Fund, established to improve ecological integrity in national parks.
Banff National Park of Canada is part of a system of national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites that is recognized as one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world. Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's cultural and natural heritage are presented and protected for the enjoyment, education and appreciation of all Canadians, today and in the future.
Information:
Ryan Sparrow
Associate Director and Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Marjorie Huculak
Executive Services and Media Relations
Banff Field Unit
Parks Canada
(403) 762-1526
