Ottawa, Ontario, June 6, 2012 -- The Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced today the tabling in Parliament of the 2011 Aulavik National Park of Canada Management Plan, fulfilling a requirement of the Canada National Parks Act. Management plans are the primary accountability documents for the management of protected areas administered by Parks Canada.
"Aulavik National Park is one of the most remote locations on the planet. It is renowned for those who seek unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in one of the World's great wilderness areas, and to experience a remarkable human landscape that extends back 3500 years," said Minister Kent. "This management plan will ensure that the special values that the Park protects will be enjoyed by generations well into the future."
The Aulavik National Park Management Plan includes a new park vision and key strategies, including:
- Enhancing visitor opportunities in Aulavik, the community of Sachs Harbour and Banks Island;
- Keeping Aulavik healthy and enduring;
- Engaging Inuvialuit Settlement Region communities in the management and presentation of Aulavik; and,
- Inspiring Canadians to connect with Aulavik and our northern heritage.
The remoteness of Aulavik, and the logistical challenges of getting to and working in such an isolated Park, make co-operation essential to achieving the management plan vision. Specific actions include: Working with partners for ecosystem management and monitoring; expanding opportunities for learning and recreational experiences; and, creating stronger connections with educational, cultural and youth organizations. All this will be achieved within the context of the strong co-operative management partnership enjoyed by Parks Canada and the Inuvialuit.
"This management plan is a blueprint for working together to achieve the common goals of protecting the ecology and cultural heritage of this special place, and ensuring that Canadians have opportunities to discover and experience this remarkable heritage," said Minister Kent.
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada's historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.
For more information on the Aulavik National Park Management Plan, please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca.
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