Strong support for caribou calving-ground protection in Canada’s North, new survey shows

IQALUIT, Nov. 3, 2016 – Residents of Canada’s North are overwhelmingly in favour of extending full protection to caribou calving grounds, according to the results of a new survey by Environics.

Residents of all Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories were asked in October about whether they support or oppose making caribou calving grounds in Canada’s North fully protected areas that do not allow industrial development such as oil and gas or mining projects.

Of those surveyed, 77 per cent strongly supported such protections for caribou calving grounds. A further 12 per cent said they somewhat supported full protection. The remaining respondents were spread equally between somewhat opposing and strongly opposing full protection.

The numbers were gathered by Environics as part of a larger public-opinion survey commissioned by WWF-Canada. Only northerners were surveyed for the caribou calving ground questions, with a total of 153 respondents spread equally from across the three territories. The respondents were asked to identify their cultural identity to ensure the sample was representative of the people of Canada’s North.

Most of Canada’s barren-ground caribou herds are in decline, some more than 95 per cent down from historic highs. Biologists and traditional knowledge holders agree that protecting calving grounds from disturbance is one of the most important steps to encourage the recovery of these herds.

When asked why they supported protections, 53 per cent of survey respondents said they were concerned about caribou population declines, and a further 29 per cent cited cultural reasons, saying that caribou are an important source of food and clothing for Inuit.

Paul Crowley, WWF-Canada vice-president of Arctic conservation, says:

“These numbers are an impressive show of community support for caribou calving-ground protection. The results should be noted by policymakers and candidates in upcoming elections, and those involved in approving the Nunavut Land Use Plan. The current plan recommends that calving grounds be protected. Barren-ground caribou herds face intense pressures from human activities in the North, and they need our help to rebound from extreme population lows. Protecting calving grounds is a clear way forward and a step northern communities obviously want for the long-term health of the herds.”

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For further information

Megan Nesseth, communications specialist, [email protected], +1 416-904-2482