WWF-Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources partner to fund research on species at risk

The one-year pilot program will provide up to $400,000 to researchers working to understand and help recover Ontario species that have been listed as “at risk” by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO). Currently over 180 species in Ontario have been listed as at risk. The program will be reviewed at its conclusion to determine the most appropriate and cost effective approach for future funding years.

“We are very pleased to partner with the MNR to protect species at risk in Ontario,” said Dr. Peter Ewins, Director, Species Conservation, WWF-Canada. “Without such a program, the critical research needed to help bring back those species at the brink of extinction would not be possible. I congratulate the MNR for helping to make this happen.”

“My ministry is proud to join WWF-Canada in supporting the kind of science-based research that will help us reverse the rate of species decline in Ontario and maintain our province’s wealth of biodiversity,” said Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield.

The deadline for applications is January 16, 2009. Applications and eligibility requirements can be found on line at: wwf.ca/sarrfo.

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For more information contact:

Kyle Ferguson, Manager, Communications, WWF-Canada
Tel: 416-484-7732 Cell: 416-819-5631 Email: [email protected]