CPAWS-Nova Scotia scores another win
17 Apr 07
The Nova Scotia government has just passed a new piece of legislation that enshrines into law a 50% targeted expansion of the current system of protected areas in Nova Scotia over the next few years.
The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act sets in law a target of 12% of the Nova Scotia landmass as legally protected by 2015. Currently, only about 8% of the province is designated as protected areas. The Act also requires yearly reporting to the legislature on progress toward achieving the 12% target. The Nova Scotia government has previously announced a 12% target but has never before enshrined this goal in legislation.
CPAWS-NS has long been advocating for an expansion to the current protected areas system and our chapter participated directly in the legislative process for this Bill by testifying in front of the Law Amendments Committee on April 10th. In Nova Scotia, there is a unique process in place where any member of the public can propose amendments to a new piece of legislation while it is being debated in the House, between second and third reading.
CPAWS-NS was successful at inserting a clause into the new Act that clearly defines "legally protected" as sites that contribute to biological conservation goals, such as wilderness areas, nature reserves, and national parks. This was to avoid having certain types of protected areas included in the 12% that do not exclude industrial activities, such as game sanctuaries (which are extensively clearcut in Nova Scotia).
The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act also sets a number of targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing a no net loss policy for wetlands, increasing the use of alternative energies, and reducing certain types of pollutants, in addition to that of the protected areas target.
CPAWS-NS will now be recommending specific high-value conservation sites for the expanded protected areas system.
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Contact:
Chris Miller
chrismillerhalifax@yahoo.ca