DARTMOUTH, N.S. -- October 19, 2011 -- Today representatives from Environment Canada joined with His Worship, Peter Kelly, Mayor of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), to officially launch the HRM Urban BioKit.
"Environment Canada's HRM Urban BioKit is a tool to guide residents through a process of discovery and exploration of the environment, biodiversity and conservation in the HRM," said the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment. "The BioKit teaches residents how to appreciate their local environment, while protecting and preserving it for the future."
The HRM Urban BioKit is an interactive, instructional tool that leads participants on a journey through the urban and natural landscapes close to home. The BioKit encourages users to evaluate the biodiversity of their local neighbourhood, while encouraging active conservation and providing important eco-tips along the way.
"The Government of Canada is proud to support programs and tools, like the HRM Urban Biokit, that encourage people to learn about their environment-and the important issues of preservation, protection and conservation-in a meaningful, relevant and interactive way," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence.
The fully illustrated BioKit was developed by Environment Canada's Biosphere in Montreal, in cooperation with 19 partners across the HRM, including the municipal government, community and environmental groups, local museums and historical sites. The HRM Urban BioKit is the first one available for a city east of Montreal.
Mayor Peter Kelly praised the BioKit and the collaboration which made it a reality. "When government and the community work together, positive results like this occur," said Mayor Kelly. "This BioKit will help HRM residents better appreciate Nature and will reinforce our efforts to care for the environment."
For more information on the Halifax Regional Municipality Urban BioKit, visit the Environment Canada website at http://www.ec.gc.ca/biotrousses-biokits.
For more information, please contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
Environment Canada's Twitter page: http://twitter.com/environmentca
Environment Canada's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/environmentcan
