Inclusion of High Arctic Basin potential protections in 2019 federal budget important for communities, wildlife

TORONTO, March 19, 2019 – World Wildlife Fund Canada is pleased to see the Government of Canada’s 2019 budget intention to support work with the Government of Nunavut and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association to explore options to protect the High Arctic Basin, or Tuvaijuittuq, which means “the ice never melts” in Inuktitut. This builds on the previous announcement of Tallurutiup Imanga national marine conservation area – formerly Lancaster Sound – to significantly expand habitat protections for polar bears, narwhal and other Arctic wildlife. 
 
Both Tuvaijuittuq and Tallurutiup Imanga are located within the Last Ice Area, that area where summer sea ice will persist the longest in the face of climate change, providing refuge for ice-dependent species.  
 
Mary MacDonald, chief conservation officer and senior vice president of conservation for WWF-Canada, says: 
“The High Arctic is facing growing pressure, both from climate change and from potential industry as increasingly ice-free waters presents opportunities for development. The development of Inuit-led conservation areas and conservation economy is key to maintaining the long-term resilience of the region – for communities and wildlife – in the face of these pressures. We look forward to supporting efforts by the government and the QIA as they take the next steps to this sustainable future.” 

 
 
About World Wildlife Fund Canada 
WWF-Canada creates solutions to the environmental challenges that matter most for Canadians. We work in places that are unique and ecologically important, so that nature, wildlife and people thrive together. Because we are all wildlife. For more information, visit wwf.ca. 
 
For further information 
Rebecca Spring, senior communications specialist, [email protected], +1 647-338-6274