Canadian Species at Risk Programs Receive Continued Crucial Support

 The funds support the efforts of scientists and conservation advocates working to recover Canadian species at risk. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) currently lists 529 species as being nationally “at risk”.

“Conserving species at risk is essential to safeguard Canada’s valuable ecosystems and nature that are so much part of our heritage”, said Environment Minister Rona Ambrose. “By protecting species at risk, we are protecting ecosystems that provide Canadians with a healthy environment and economy.”

The ESRF sponsors high-priority conservation projects to assist the recovery and protection of endangered Canadian wildlife and their natural habitats. Among the 56 projects receiving funds in 2006 are Dalhousie University’s study of entanglement risks from fishing gear for leatherback turtles, a Toronto Zoo assessment of disease risk for the black-footed ferret reintroductions in Saskatchewan, and the University of Alberta’s study on protecting critical grizzly bear habitat relative to oil and gas development in the Northwest Territories.

“The ESRF program is a good example of the collective efforts that we’ll need to help address the growing list of species at risk and the critical challenges facing our planet’s species,” says Josh Laughren, species director for WWF-Canada.

The 2006 ESRF was funded generously by individuals, foundations and the corporate sector. Our supporters include Alcan Inc., Priscilla F. Hafner, Duke Energy, Mills & Mills LLP, Government of Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, The K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, The McLean Foundation, The Kenneth M. Molson Fund for Endangered Birds, Placer Dome Canada, Samuel, Son & Co. Ltd., Scotiabank and Shaw Communications.

Environment Canada contributed $419,145 to support projects submitted to the ESRF and WWF Canada raised $294,145 through the generosity of their donors, amounting to over $700,000.

Launched in 1988 by WWF-Canada and Environment Canada, the ESRF has invested over $9.25 million in 530 projects across Canada. For a full list of the 2006 ESRF projects, please visit wwf.ca.