February 9, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Environment Canada
Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, announced Canada’s 2020 biodiversity goals and targets, which will guide further action on the conservation and sustainable use of living resources in Canada. These goals and targets were collaboratively developed by federal, provincial and territorial governments and benefitted from input provided by Aboriginal organizations and stakeholders.
Canada’s 2020 biodiversity goals and targets will provide the basis for measuring and reporting on progress made to protect and conserve biodiversity across the country through several initiatives, including the new and expanded programs under the National Conservation Plan. Since officially launching this plan last year, the Government of Canada has made substantial progress on developing and coordinating stewardship efforts to conserve biodiversity, along with the habitat that supports it.
The goals and targets are not just for governments and no one jurisdiction or sector can achieve them alone. Progress will require the collaborative efforts of many. Aboriginal and local communities, urban and regional governments, business and industry, conservation and stewardship groups, educational and scientific institutions, and citizens can contribute to achieving these objectives.
“Our Government is building on the actions we have taken since 2006 to protect our environment with the announcement of the 2020 biodiversity goals and targets. We are already making substantial progress on achieving these goals and targets through our National Conservation Plan, which was launched to conserve Canada’s natural heritage while connecting Canadians to nature.”
– The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
For complete information about biological diversity in Canada, including the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada, please visit Canada’s biodiversity website.
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