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jan2023Coastline (5)

NB’s Ocean on the World Stage

By Danielle Hak

As we start a new year, many people take the time to set intentions for the upcoming 12 months. At CPAWS NB one of our goals every year is to see more natural areas across the province protected and managed so wildlife and habitats can thrive. This year is no different and we are starting 2023 with marine and coastal habitats front of mind.

In February, CPAWS NB staff will be traveling to Vancouver BC, along with environmental groups from across Canada and around the world, to participate in the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC 5).

 

What is IMPAC 5?

IMPAC 5 (or the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress) will bring together the world’s leading professionals on ocean protection, including ocean conservation professionals, Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Holders, young professionals, policy experts, and international government leaders.

While gathered in Vancouver, participants will share knowledge and discuss opportunities to ensure more ocean wildlife and habitats are protected, as well as develop actions to address marine biodiversity loss and the climate crisis.

The Congress will be hosted by the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia and host First Nations—xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), in partnership with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS).

 

Why is IMPAC 5 important?

The decisions made at this congress will have far reaching impacts for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across the country and world.

Photo by Justin Dutcher

Strong protection for marine ecosystems has far reaching benefits for:

  • Nature – by protecting habitats that are crucial for marine wildlife;
  • Communities – by protecting habitats, such as saltmarshes and wetlands, that help reduce the impacts of climate change;
  • Local economies and tourism – by safeguarding natural areas, and protecting wildlife and habitats that tourism needs to thrive;
  • Fishing – by protecting the health of commercially important species and ensuring their populations can be restored and replenished;
  • Culture – by ensuring that culturally significant areas and species are protected.

The congress will be an important step in advancing ocean protection, as participants will create a path forward to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030, a target recently agreed upon at Nature COP.

 

Why is marine protection important for New Brunswick?

With 5,500 km of coastline, the ocean is a central piece of New Brunswick’s identity. 

Coastal and ocean areas in the province:

  • Provide habitat and food for 22 species at risk and 2 million migratory shore birds;
  • Support 18,000 jobs in tourism, recreation, fishing and seafood processing;
  • Generated $1,740 million in seafood exports in 2019 and $125 million from the Bay of Fundy tourism industry.

Marine Protection helps ensure the health of wildlife that make their homes in the Bay of Fundy and Gulf of St. Lawrence.  It is also important for protecting coastal communities against climate change and reducing climate-related impacts, benefiting all New Brunswickers.

 

What can you do?

Check out our website to learn more about MPAs – https://cpawsnb.org/campaigns/marine-protected-areas/.

Use the CPAWS NB ACTION TOOLKIT to learn about how you can advocate for more marine protection in New Brunswick and #SpeakUpForNature.

Celebrate the ocean and coast with CPAWS NB! Share your stories or memories on social media, tagging @CPAWSNB, @IMPAC5 and #CelebratingOurCoast to have your voice heard about why the ocean is important to you!

Follow CPAWS NB on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates on IMPAC5 and the work we are doing to strengthen protection for coastal and marine areas across New Brunswick.

 

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Largest Protected Areas Increase in NB History is a Gift for Nature

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DECEMBER 13, 2022

TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, NB – A coalition of four provincial environmental and conservation organizations — Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-New Brunswick Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature NB, and the Nature Trust of New Brunswick — issued the following joint statement in response to the government of New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy announcement today.

“We are encouraged that the provincial government has designated an additional 277,900 hectares of new protected areas to fulfill its commitment to protect 10 percent of lands and waters in the province.

Today’s announcement is the largest one-time increase in protected areas in New Brunswick’s history and represents a significant leap for nature conservation in the province.

The unique natural spaces and wildlife we love in New Brunswick are threatened by development, intensive industrial uses, and climate changes. The dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss demand real action and solutions now. In New Brunswick, over 88 species are listed under the provincial Species at Risk Act.

When we conserve and connect intact and functioning ecosystems, we help protect the threatened, at-risk, and endangered plants, animals, and biodiversity of New Brunswick, and migratory wildlife such as beloved songbirds that rely on New Brunswick habitat for their survival.

The Nature Legacy initiative has been a long time in the making.

Since 2018, our organizations have partnered on campaigns to engage the New Brunswick government in Canada’s ambitious goal to conserve 17 percent of land and freshwater by 2020. The provincial government committed in 2019 to protect 10 percent of New Brunswick, as part of the nation-wide effort. In 2020 the federal goal grew to 30 percent by 2030.

We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the thousands of New Brunswickers who answered our call, stood up and demanded better protection of the wetlands, rivers, forests, coasts, and islands that we cherish. The new conserved lands include forests and wetlands that protect the headwaters of the Miramichi, Nashwaak and Big Salmon rivers, river corridors in the Restigouche, and peat bogs near Kouchibouguac National Park. Members of the public nominated many of these new protected areas. They will help protect habitat for at-risk species, such as Piping Plover, Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic salmon, wood turtles and Monarch butterflies.

As world leaders currently gather in Montreal to find solutions for the growing crisis of nature loss at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (“NatureCOP”), today’s announcement is an example of taking concrete steps to address this crisis here at home.

There is still much work ahead if New Brunswick is to do our part to achieve the national and international target to protect 30% by 2030.

We must follow through on commitments to reconciliation through conservation. Wolastoqiyik, Mi’gmaq and Peskotomuhkati peoples have been the stewards and knowledge keepers of this place since time immemorial. Land and water protection can only be more successful with Indigenous-supported and Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.

As we look to the future of conservation in the province, it is critical that we continue to hold our governments accountable for implementing the recent Climate Change Action Plan by:

  • setting a more ambitious provincial target for protected areas beyond 10% that aligns with federal targets and places New Brunswick as a leader across provinces
  • developing and implementing a new biodiversity strategy that will maintain biodiversity and aid in the recovery of threatened and at-risk species and their habitats
  • developing tools that help to understand forest and wetland contribution to climate action and increase their protection as important carbon stocks
  • co-developing with Indigenous Nations new ways to manage and steward protected areas in ways that support Indigenous values, connections, and communities.”

MORE QUOTES:

“These new protected areas are a gift for nature, and a gift to all the people in New Brunswick who are connected to nature. This is the biggest step NB has ever taken to live up to our responsibilities as a part of nature, and to bring us into a better balance with the nature we depend upon for our health and the resilience of our communities. There is more to do, and it needs to be done in a way that empowers Indigenous-led conservation,” says Roberta Clowater, Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter.

“We celebrate today’s commitment to protect old forests and headwaters fundamental to the health and well-being of plants and animals. We are at the beginning of a journey that brings more balance between nature protection and human activity; a journey essential to protecting biodiversity and holding carbon for climate protection,” says Louise Comeau, Director of Climate Solutions, Conservation Council of New Brunswick.

“Today’s announcement is a significant step toward the protection of the wetlands, rivers, forests, coasts, and islands we all love. We are thrilled to see new protected areas being established next to existing nature preserves, expanding important wildlife refuges, and creating safe passageways for moose, bald eagles, wood turtles, warblers, and Canada lynx. Setting aside these special and sensitive ecosystems is a critical lifeline for species threatened and at risk in the face of climate change and habitat loss.”  – Stephanie Merrill, Chief Executive Officer, Nature Trust of New Brunswick

“New Brunswickers have time and time again, expressed their deep connection with nature and their desire to protect our natural heritage for future generations. Today’s announcement is a reflection of this Nature Legacy and an important step as we work together to halt nature loss and support the recovery of species at-risk like the iconic Piping Plover and Monarch butterfly. There is still more work to do to move us forward and we look forward to supporting the province’s commitment to go beyond 10%” – Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director, Nature NB.

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Contacts:

Roberta Clowater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter: rclowater@cpaws.org; (506) 452-9902

Louise Comeau, Conservation Council of New Brunswick: louise.comeau@conservationcouncil.ca

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Nature NB: executive.director@naturenb.ca; (506) 459-4209

Stephanie Merrill, Nature Trust of New Brunswick: Stephanie.merrill@ntnb.org

 

Dec.13, 2022 – The provincial government of New Brunswick announced the protection of over 277,000 hectares of provincial land, the biggest increase in conservation ever for our province.  CPAWS NB’s executive director, Roberta Clowater, is interviewed by Vanessa Vander Valk, host of Shift on CBC Radio NB.

 

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La plus grande augmentation des aires protégées de l’histoire du Nouveau-Brunswick est un cadeau pour la nature

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13 DÉCEMBRE 2022

TERRITOIRE TRADITIONNEL DES PEUPLES WABANAKI/FREDERICTON, NB – Une coalition de quatre organisations provinciales de l’environnement et de la conservation – la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada-section Nouveau-Brunswick, le Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick, Nature NB et la Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick – a émis la déclaration conjointe suivante en réponse à l’annonce faite aujourd’hui par le gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick dans le cadre de l’initiative Patrimoine naturel.

«Nous sommes encouragés de voir le gouvernement provincial désigner 277 900 hectares supplémentaires de nouvelles aires protégées afin de réaliser son engagement de protéger 10 pourcent des terres et des eaux de la province.

L’annonce d’aujourd’hui est la plus grande augmentation unique d’aires protégées de l’histoire du Nouveau-Brunswick et représente un grand pas pour la conservation de la nature dans la province.

Les espaces naturels et la faune uniques que nous aimons au Nouveau-Brunswick sont menacés par le développement, les utilisations industrielles intensives et les changements climatiques. Au Nouveau-Brunswick, plus de 88 espèces sont inscrites sur la liste de la Loi sur les espèces en péril de la province. La double crise des changements climatiques et de la perte de biodiversité exige des mesures et des solutions concrètes dès maintenant. Lorsque nous conservons et connectons des écosystèmes intacts et fonctionnels, nous aidons à protéger les plantes et les animaux rares, en voie de disparition et en danger qui dépendent des habitats du Nouveau-Brunswick pour leur survie.

L’initiative Patrimoine naturel se prépare depuis longtemps.

Depuis 2018, nos organisations se sont associées dans le cadre de campagnes visant à engager le gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick dans l’objectif ambitieux du Canada de conserver 17 pourcent des terres et de l’eau douce d’ici 2020. Le gouvernement provincial s’est engagé en 2019 à protéger 10 pourcent du Nouveau-Brunswick dans le cadre de l’effort national. Depuis, le gouvernement fédéral s’est fixé un objectif encore plus important de protection de 30 pourcent d’ici 2030.

Nous sommes profondément reconnaissants envers les milliers de Néo-Brunswickois qui ont répondu à notre appel en se levant et en exigeant une meilleure protection des terres humides, des rivières, des forêts, des côtes et des îles qui nous sont chères. Des bassins hydrographiques des rivières Miramichi et Nashwaak aux forêts anciennes et aux corridors fluviaux dans les eaux d’amont de la Restigouche, plusieurs de ces nouvelles aires protégées ont été désignées par le public et peuvent continuer à fournir un habitat aux espèces en péril, comme le pluvier siffleur, le saumon atlantique de l’intérieur de la baie de Fundy, la tortue des bois et le papillon monarque.

Alors que les dirigeants du monde entier se réunissent actuellement à Montréal pour trouver des solutions à la crise croissante de la perte de la nature lors de la 15e Conférence des parties à la Convention sur la diversité biologique des Nations Unies (« NatureCOP »), l’annonce d’aujourd’hui est un exemple de mesures concrètes prises à prendre pour résoudre cette crise ici, chez nous.

Il reste encore beaucoup de travail à faire si le Nouveau-Brunswick veut faire sa part pour atteindre l’objectif national et international de protection de 30 pourcent d’ici 2030.

En particulier, nous devons poursuivre nos engagements en matière de réconciliation par la conservation. Les peuples Wolastoqiyik, Mi’gmaq et Peskotomuhkati sont les intendants et les gardiens du savoir de ces territoires depuis des temps immémoriaux. La protection des terres et des eaux ne peut connaître plus de succès qu’avec des initiatives de conservation soutenues et dirigées par les autochtones.

Alors que nous envisageons l’avenir de la conservation dans la province, il est essentiel que nous continuions à tenir nos gouvernements responsables de la mise en œuvre du récent Plan d’action sur les changements climatiques en:

fixant une cible provinciale plus ambitieuse pour les aires protégées au-delà de 10 pourcent, qui s’aligne sur les cibles fédérales et place le Nouveau-Brunswick comme chef de file parmi les provinces;

élaborant et en mettant en œuvre une nouvelle stratégie en matière de biodiversité qui permettra de maintenir la biodiversité et de contribuer au rétablissement des espèces menacées et en péril ainsi que leurs habitats;

élaborant des outils qui aident à comprendre la contribution des forêts et des terres humides aux mesures climatiques et à accroître leur protection en tant que réserves de carbone importantes;

codéveloppant avec les Nations Autochtones de nouvelles méthodes de gestion et d’intendance des zones protégées de manière à soutenir les valeurs et  les communautés Autochtones.

CITATIONS:

« Ces nouvelles aires protégées sont un cadeau pour la nature et un cadeau pour tous les gens du Nouveau-Brunswick qui sont liés à la nature. Il s’agit de la plus grande mesure jamais prise par le Nouveau-Brunswick pour assumer nos responsabilités en tant que partie de la nature, et pour nous amener à un meilleur équilibre avec la nature dont nous dépendons pour notre santé et la résilience de nos communautés. Il y a encore beaucoup à faire, et il faut le faire d’une manière qui favorise la conservation dirigée par les Autochtones » – Roberta Clowater, Directrice exécutive de la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section N.-B.

« Nous célébrons l’engagement pris aujourd’hui de protéger les vieilles forêts et les eaux d’amont fondamentales pour la santé et le bien-être des plantes et des animaux. Nous sommes au début du parcours qui apporte plus d’équilibre entre la protection de la nature et l’activité humaine ; un parcours essentiel pour protéger la biodiversité et retenir le carbone pour la protection du climat » –  Louise Comeau, Directrice des solutions climatiques du Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick.

« L’annonce d’aujourd’hui est un pas important vers la protection des terres humides, des rivières, des forêts, des côtes et des îles que nous aimons tous. Nous sommes ravis de voir que de nouvelles aires protégées sont établies à côté des réserves naturelles existantes, élargissant ainsi d’importants refuges fauniques et créant des voies de passage sûres pour les orignaux, les pygargues à tête blanche, les tortues des bois, les fauvettes et le lynx du Canada. La protection de ces écosystèmes spéciaux et sensibles est une bouée de sauvetage essentielle pour les espèces menacées et en danger face aux changements climatiques et à la perte d’habitat. » – Stephanie Merrill, Directrice générale de la Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick

« Les Néo-Brunswickois ont à maintes reprises exprimé leur lien profond avec la nature et leur désir de protéger notre héritage naturel pour les générations futures. L’annonce d’aujourd’hui est un reflet de ce Patrimoine naturel et une étape importante alors que nous travaillons ensemble pour mettre fin à la perte de la nature et soutenir le rétablissement des espèces en péril comme le pluvier siffleur et le papillon monarque.  Il reste encore du travail à faire pour progresser et nous sommes impatients de soutenir l’engagement de la province à dépasser les 10 % » – Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Directrice générale de Nature NB

Contacts:

Roberta Clowater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter: rclowater@cpaws.org; (506) 452-9902

Louise Comeau, Conservation Council of New Brunswick: louise.comeau@conservationcouncil.ca

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Nature NB: executive.director@naturenb.ca; (506) 459-4209

Stephanie Merrill, Nature Trust of New Brunswick: Stephanie.merrill@ntnb.org

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Nature COP in Montreal – What it Means for New Brunswick

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By Roberta Clowater

This December is an exciting time for nature action. All eyes are on Montreal for Nature COP – the 15th Conference of the Parties who have signed the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Government leaders from around the world are gathering to decide on a new plan to protect nature. At this pivotal moment, here is why this big meeting matters to decision-makers in New Brunswick.

All people living in New Brunswick depend on nature to support our cultures, health, and economy. Intact nature protects our communities from floods, storm surges and soil erosion. Wild nature secures homes for pollinating bees and healthy schools of fish.

Healthy nature is about balance and connections. We need protected areas so nature has places where it can just be NATURE.

Every year, expert reports come out with evidence that nature is declining rapidly – more endangered wildlife, fewer intact forests, smaller wetlands that can’t hold back the rising waters. Most of the problem is caused by loss of habitat from development, pollution, overexploitation and climate changes.

For those who are paying attention, these results point a huge blinking arrow to a big problem. We are out of balance with nature.

To help bring balance, Canada and hundreds of countries are rallying to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030. This number and deadline give governments a sense of urgency. A target makes nature a priority for action and motivates us to achieve what we said we would do.

Canada is not even half-way there. We all have work to do to get this done.

Most decisions about how and where to protect nature happen in the provinces. Right now, about 6% of New Brunswick is strongly protected for nature. The New Brunswick government needs to scale up action to address Canada’s nature emergency.

In July, NB Minister of Natural Resources Mike Holland announced 84 new Nature Legacy protected areas. These new areas are a big step in the right direction for nature conservation in New Brunswick. Government plans to get 10% of the province protected by 2023. We need to encourage our government to do more of this!

CPAWS New Brunswick has an action roadmap for how to do this together.

These are 5 actions the provincial government needs to take as they go into Nature COP meetings:

  1. Secure all of the 10% protected areas legally
  2. Develop a plan to protect additional areas to go beyond 10%, including areas proposed by Indigenous peoples, citizens, and organizations through the Nature Legacy project
  3. With Indigenous Nations, create new ways to co-manage and jointly steward protected areas, and identify Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas that support Indigenous values and connections
  4. Engage communities to help steward and manage protected areas, and create jobs in a conservation economy, and,
  5. Adopt more ecologically-friendly industrial practices across the province, to ensure habitats between protected areas are well-connected.

For New Brunswick to do our part for nature, we need to make sure it’s not simply a numbers game. Nature and wildlife need strong long-term protection, secured in law. We can’t just claim we are protecting habitats and say the job is done.

We need to have refuges where American marten, barred owl and endangered Canada warblers, North Atlantic right whales and wild Atlantic salmon can thrive. We need to conserve the bogs that store carbon and absorb floodwaters, and the old forests that shade cold-water streams for fish. We need large areas of land and ocean to provide room for wildlife to roam for food, shelter and mates. We need to steward and keep an eye on these protected habitats to make sure they help nature recover.

New Brunswickers have told us they want nature to be protected, and they want to take part in this journey. Recent public opinion polls tell us that 80% of New Brunswickers want to protect at least one quarter of the province for nature and wildlife. To ensure nature and people thrive in the future, we need to protect much more land and ocean.

We know we are the generation that must halt and reverse the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss – and we can do it. We can’t afford to wait any longer to make change.

We all need to pull together to act on our shared responsibilities to nature. We need governments in New Brunswick to commit to even more ambitious goals beyond protecting 10% of our province.

As a society, we need to grab on to opportunities to understand and tap into all the ways of knowing about our connections to land and water. We need to embrace and empower Indigenous-led conservation and knowledge. We need to strengthen the connections people feel with wild nature, so we truly value our part in it.

All our voices matter. Let’s make the Nature COP in Montreal the turning point for action on nature. It’s time all our government leaders listen to New Brunswickers and take bold action to make sure we are living in a better balance with nature.

 

Irishwoods

La COP sur la biodiversité à Montréal – Ce que cela signifie pour le N-B

par Roberta Clowater

Ce mois de décembre est une période passionnante pour les initiatives en faveur de la nature. Tous les yeux sont tournés vers Montréal pour la COP sur la biodiversité – la 15e Conférence des parties qui ont signé la Convention des Nations Unies sur la biodiversité. Des chefs de gouvernement du monde entier se réuniront pour décider d’un nouveau plan de protection de la nature. À ce moment charnière, voici pourquoi cette grande réunion est importante pour les décideurs du Nouveau-Brunswick.

Tous les habitants du Nouveau-Brunswick dépendent de la nature pour soutenir leurs cultures, leur santé et leur économie. Une nature intacte protège nos collectivités des inondations, des ondes de tempête et de l’érosion des sols. La nature sauvage offre un habitat aux abeilles pollinisatrices et garantit des bancs de poissons en santé.

Une nature saine est synonyme d’équilibre et de connexions. Nous avons besoin de zones protégées pour que la nature ait des endroits où elle peut simplement être la NATURE.

Chaque année, des rapports d’experts fournissent des preuves du déclin rapide de la nature : davantage d’espèces sauvages sont menacées, il y a moins de forêts intactes, les zones humides rétrécissent et ne peuvent ainsi plus contenir la montée des eaux. La majeure partie du problème est causée par la perte d’habitats due au développement, à la pollution, à la surexploitation et aux changements climatiques.

Pour ceux qui sont attentifs, ces résultats sont un retentissant signal d’alarme annonciateur d’un gros problème. Nous sommes en déséquilibre avec la nature.

Pour aider à rétablir l’équilibre, le Canada et des centaines de pays s’engagent d’ici 2030 à protéger 30 % de la planète pour la nature. Cette cible des 30 % et l’échéance de 2030 donnent aux gouvernements un sentiment d’urgence. La cible indique que la nature est une priorité d’action et nous motive à accomplir ce que nous avons dit que nous ferions.

Or, le Canada n’est même pas encore à mi-chemin. Nous avons tous du travail à faire pour y arriver.

La plupart des décisions sur la façon et l’endroit où protéger la nature sont prises par les provinces. À l’heure actuelle, environ 6 % du Nouveau-Brunswick est fortement protégé pour la nature. Le gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick doit intensifier ses mesures pour répondre à l’urgence du Canada en matière de protection de la nature.

En juillet, le ministre des Ressources naturelles du Nouveau-Brunswick, Mike Holland, a annoncé la création de 84 nouvelles zones protégées dans le cadre du patrimoine naturel. Ces nouvelles zones constituent un grand pas dans la bonne direction pour la conservation de la nature au Nouveau-Brunswick. Le gouvernement prévoit que 10 % de la province sera protégé d’ici 2023. Nous devons encourager notre gouvernement à en faire encore plus!

La SNAP Nouveau-Brunswick propose une feuille de route pour y parvenir ensemble.

Voici cinq mesures que le gouvernement provincial doit entreprendre dans la foulée des réunions de la COP sur la biodiversité :

  1. Sécuriser par des voies légales l’ensemble des 10 % de zones protégées.
  2. Développer un plan pour protéger des zones supplémentaires au-delà des 10 %, y compris les zones proposées par les Premières Nations, les citoyens et les organisations dans le cadre du projet Patrimoine naturel.
  3. Avec les Premières Nations, créer de nouvelles façons de cogérer et de veiller à l’intendance concertée des zones protégées, et identifier les zones que protègent et conservent les Premières Nations à l’appui de leurs valeurs et de leurs liens.
  4. Engager les collectivités à participer à l’intendance et à la gestion des aires protégées, et créer des emplois dans une économie de la conservation.
  5. À l’échelle de la province, adopter des pratiques industrielles plus respectueuses de l’environnement, afin de s’assurer que les habitats entre les zones protégées sont bien reliés entre eux.

Pour que le Nouveau-Brunswick fasse sa part pour la nature, nous devons nous assurer qu’il ne s’agit pas simplement de chiffres lancés en l’air. La nature et la faune ont besoin d’une protection solide à long terme, protection garantie par la loi. Nous ne pouvons pas simplement prétendre que nous protégeons les habitats et dire que le travail est terminé.

Nous devons avoir des refuges où peuvent se développer des espèces sauvages telles que la martre d’Amérique, la baleine noire de l’Atlantique Nord, le saumon atlantique sauvage et la paruline du Canada, qui est une espèce menacée. Nous devons conserver les tourbières qui stockent le carbone et absorbent les eaux de crue, ainsi que les vieilles forêts qui ombragent les cours d’eau froide pour les poissons. Nous avons besoin de grandes étendues de terre et d’océans pour permettre aux animaux sauvages de se déplacer afin de se nourrir, de s’abriter et de se reproduire. Nous devons gérer et surveiller ces habitats protégés pour faire en sorte qu’ils aident la nature à se rétablir.

Les Néo-Brunswickois nous ont dit qu’ils voulaient que la nature soit protégée, et ils veulent participer à ce projet. De récents sondages d’opinion publique nous indiquent que 80 % des Néo‑Brunswickois veulent protéger au moins un quart de la province pour la nature et la faune. Pour assurer la prospérité future de la nature et des gens, nous devons protéger beaucoup plus de terres et d’océans.

Nous savons que nous sommes la génération qui doit stopper et inverser la double crise des changements climatiques et de la perte de biodiversité – et nous pouvons y arriver. Nous ne pouvons pas nous permettre d’attendre plus longtemps pour changer les choses.

Tous, nous devons nous serrer les coudes pour agir en fonction de nos responsabilités communes envers la nature. Il est impératif que les administrations du Nouveau-Brunswick s’engagent à atteindre des objectifs encore plus ambitieux que la protection de 10 % de notre province.

En tant que société, nous devons saisir les occasions de comprendre tous nos liens avec la terre et l’eau et nous devons en tirer parti. Nous devons adopter et renforcer les connaissances et les mesures de conservation entreprises par les membres des Premières Nations. Nous devons renforcer les liens que les gens ressentent avec la nature sauvage, afin de vraiment reconnaître notre rôle dans la nature.

Toutes nos voix comptent. Faisons de la Conférence des parties à la Convention des Nations Unies sur la biodiversité de Montréal le point tournant d’une mobilisation en faveur de la nature. Il est temps que tous nos chefs de gouvernement écoutent les Néo-Brunswickois et prennent des mesures audacieuses pour s’assurer que nous vivons dans un meilleur équilibre avec la nature.

 

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Give with Nature in Mind

Are you looking for environmentally friendly and local gifts this holiday season? You are in the right place! CPAWS NB’s Holiday Gift Guide has gifts for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Gift Ideas

Image by Parks Canada

1. Discovery Parks Pass

Feed your body, mind, and soul. You can do it ALL with the pass to Canada’s National Parks. Parks. By purchasing a Discovery Pass gets you added perks like faster entry and some cost savings. Plus, your contributions help maintain and protect the Parks Canada administered places you love!

Get yours here: https://bit.ly/3VQZpSg and remember to be #ParksSmart on all your upcoming adventures!

2. Atlantic Canada Nature Guides

Are you eager to learn more about the nature around you? Whether you are interested in animal tracks, bees, bugs, or the night sky, the Outdoor Learning Store has you covered! There are a number of different guides for Atlantic Canada, so while you are out adventuring, you can use Nature Guides to learn as you go!

To browse Atlantic Canadian Nature Guides, visit here https://outdoorlearningstore.com/product/atlantic-canada-nature-guides/

Photo Source: CBC News

3. Moonbeam Book by Gail Francis

Where do our names come from? Where did you get yours? Follow along as Moonbeam learns where her name comes from and awaits to name a newborn. This story was created by a Wolastoqi woman, Gail Francis from Negotkuk and her niece Tara Audibert as illustrator. Moonbeam is the perfect gift for kids and adults alike!

You can purchase a copy here: http://www.authorgailfrancis.com/books.html

4. Baymont Outdoor Adventures

If you are looking for a guided tour of the Bay of Fundy UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, then Baymont Outdoor Adventures is the place to look. Baymont Outdoor Adventures offers sea kayaking tours, which consist of a 2-hour paddle around the Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park! Booking a tour for the nature adventurer in your life is the perfect gift.

To learn more, please visit https://www.baymountadventures.com/.

Photo credit: Neil White

5. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours & Events

Looking to give a gift of a unique experience?  How about a tour of Odell Park in Fredericton with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours! Cecelia and Anthony Brooks are dedicated to the preservation and advancement of indigenous values through cultural events and experience, and offer medicine walks, workshops and culinary experiences, all with the hope of creating dialogue that leads to a more harmonious world.

To learn more and book a tour: https://wabanakitreespirit.com/

6. NB Parks Pass

Want to purchase a present for the entire family? How about a seasonal park pass to New Brunswick’s Provincial Parks? https://www.parcsnbparks.info/

Get outside in 2023 and explore a park in this beautiful province you haven’t visited yet!

Photo by Arielle DeMerchant

7. Arielle DeMerchant New Brunswick wildlife calendar

Arielle DeMerchant is a New Brunswick based wildlife photographer that captures an array of wildlife, landscape, and natural macro photos, taken to share the magnificence of nature They are $20 each and can be shipped to anywhere in Canada for $4.

If you are interested in buying a 2023 calendar, you can send Arielle a message on her facebook page.

8. Outdoor Nature Tours

Outdoor Nature Tours can give you a variety of experiences! First Nation Tourism (or SP First Nations Outdoor Tours) specializes in outdoor recreation tours. They offer Elders Medicine Tours, Authentic Indigenous Dining, Indigenous Craft Workshop, Breadonastick Tours, and even Ice Fishing Tours!

To learn more or book online: https://www.spfirstnationsoutdoortours.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SPFirstNationsOutdoorTours

Photo: New Brunswick Tourism

9. Mactaquac Provincial Park

While most provincial parsks are claosed this time of year, Mactaquac Provincial Park is open in the winter so you can enjoy some outdoor activities and relax in the warm, welcoming lodge. There is a skating pond, sledding hill, well-maintained trails for walking and skiing.  Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available courtesy of the Friends of Mactaquac on a first come, first served basis. To learn more and plan ahead, visit https://www.nbparks.ca/en/parks/10/mactaquac-provincial-park

10. Donate to CPAWS NB

Give the gift of nature protection by making a donation in a friend or family member’s name to CPAWS NB. Your donations support our local conservation work, environmental education programs, and ensure the long-term protection of the natural areas in New Brunswick you love.

Go here to donate.

CPAWS NB staff holding signs-Steve Reid

Nature COP

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Nature COP: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

 

 

By: Anika Smithson

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is approaching, and people are getting ready to spend time with family and friends. However, many governments and environmental groups are preparing for a different type of gathering – one with nature as the main focus.

This December, governments, Indigenous Nations, and organizations from all over the world will be attending the UN Conference on Biological Diversity, in Montreal, to discuss the importance of protecting nature for the future of the planet. This is more commonly known as COP-15 or Nature COP.

What is COP-15 or Nature COP? 

COP means Conference of the Parties, and it’s a conference that brings together signatory countries (parties) of a convention. In this case it is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD was adopted in 1992 at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Main goals of the CBD include:

  • The conservation of biodiversity
  • Sustainable use of the components of biodiversity
  • Equitable sharing of information related to biodiversity

This is the 15th meeting that will discuss all things related to the CBD, hence the name Nature COP or COP-15.

To advance the goals of the CBD, biodiversity targets were created to guide the world’s actions from 2011-2020. Now, two years into a new decade, a Global Biodiversity Framework will be created to serve as a guide until 2030. This framework will outline new targets for nature protection, pollution reduction and sustainable management of natural resources, as well as recognize nature as a key player in solutions to climate change. It will also contain actions that will help achieve the new targets, such as suggestions on policies for industry and financial commitments required to achieve the targets.

Nature COP will be a place for Canada to announce its targets in relation to fulfilling its promise to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

Why is it important? 

Nature is the planet’s life support system – it produces the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. We are a part of nature and can influence it in both positive and negative ways. We are currently in a dual crisis of climate change and biodiversity loss and protecting nature is one of the best solutions to help both. By committing to a global biodiversity framework, we can step up efforts to ensure nature is protected. This can only happen if the commitments agreed upon are turned into meaningful and effective action. 

Canada must do its part to help protect the earth, our home. However, the targets Canada sets can only be achieved with the help of the provinces and territories, as they have the primary responsibility for public land and water protection.

What does this mean for New Brunswick?

 New Brunswick will have a significant role to play, as what happens here affects the world and what happens to the world affects New Brunswick. The province is home to stunning forests, rivers, lakes, coastline and ocean. This abundance of nature is worth protecting. Not only does it provide food and habitat for wildlife, it has cultural and spiritual significance,  helps to keep us healthy physically and mentally,  provides us with recreation opportunities, allows us to connect to the land, each other and ourselves and provides a livelihood to communities. We must ensure we are taking care of nature, just as nature takes care of us.

Photo by Nick Hawkins

Some of the best ways we can work towards safeguarding nature include:

  • recognizing Indigenous Leadership in conservation
  • creating protected areas on land and in the ocean
  • stewarding lands and waters in an ecologically responsible manner

CPAWS NB is looking to the province of New Brunswick to set a positive example when it comes to nature conservation by fulfilling their promise of 10% protection of public lands and waters, building relationships with Indigenous Nations, and setting ambitious targets for future land/water protection and ecologically responsible management of forests and other natural resources.

The hard work never stops. It will take collective action from individuals, organizations and governments doing the work on the ground to achieve a place where we live in harmony with nature.

What can You do?

CPAWS NB staff, photo by Steve Reid

SEND A LETTER telling the New Brunswick Government you support fulfilling their promise of 10% public land protection in the province and relationship building with Indigenous Nations.

Review our ACTION TOOLKIT to learn about actions you can take to #SpeakUpForNature and ensure New Brunswick plays its part in nature conservation.

Follow CPAWS NB on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on what’s happening with Nature COP and New Brunswick.

Follow the hashtag #COP15 to stay updated on what’s happening in relation to the conference.

Banner photo by Emily Ruttan

CCActionTrees

New Climate Plan Includes Action For Nature

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New Climate Plan Includes Action For Nature

 

 

 

The Government of New Brunswick released their new Climate Change Action Plan yesterday, “Our Pathway Towards Decarbonization and Climate Resilience”, describing the actions they will take to help the province address the challenges posed by climate change. This is a 5-year plan with actions that will take us to 2027, building on the previous plan from 2016.

The Exciting Good News – CPAWS NB is excited that government recognizes the role nature will play in our response to climate change. The government will take these actions to ensure nature is protected and can continue to support habitats for people and wildlife:

  • Set a new target for protected areas by 2024, which will take New Brunswick beyond protecting 10% of the province’s land and freshwater
  • Establish a working group with Indigenous communities and organizations by 2024 to identify climate change priority areas and facilitate information sharing
  • Bring climate change concerns into the way they plan and manage provincial parks
  • Identify climate-vulnerable wildlife, habitats, and landscapes that will need extra conservation attention and connect habitats to allow for wildlife migration
WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW

Climate change impacts all New Brunswickers. The province is experiencing more extreme weather events such as flooding or droughts, increased temperatures and sea-level rise. This affects the safety and well-being of individuals and communities, businesses and industries.

  • Government needs to move swiftly to protect more nature, given the urgency of the climate and nature crises. New Brunswick needs to set a target and take action to help achieve the nation-wide target of protecting 30% of Canada by 2030.
  • The conversation and working groups with Indigenous peoples cannot wait until 2024 and needs to start immediately.
  • Government needs to speed up the engagement with community groups, NGOs, and municipalities to build common awareness and the will in society to work on these actions together.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE

Nature offers some of the best solutions for New Brunswick’s response to climate change. Intact natural areas are more resilient to a changing climate and are better able to support a variety of wildlife and habitats. Forests and wetlands capture and store carbon, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Nature-based solutions, like natural shorelines and salt marshes, can help protect communities from the effects of flooding, erosion and sea-level rise.

Other notable actions the government plans to take for climate and nature:

  • Assess the carbon stored in wetlands to help identify the most climate-significant wetlands by 2026, with a full report to be released by 2030
  • Invest in Climate Change Initiatives through the New Brunswick Environmental Trust Fund to support NGOs and local communities
  • Publish a report on the carbon stored in New Brunswick’s forests by 2025 and regularly track and report on the forest’s ability to store and absorb carbon
  • Recognize and promote the importance of nature and natural infrastructure to buffer us from climate change impacts
  • Support nature-based solutions by training and building partnerships among communities and organizations
  • Develop a renewed Biodiversity Strategy by 2025 that recognizes the sensitivity of biodiversity to climate change, the need to adapt the way New Brunswick manages and uses the natural environment, and the role that nature can play in climate solutions
  • Implement a Living Shorelines program by 2026 that promotes natural adaptation approaches and nature-based solutions through training, science-based tools, and best practices made available to New Brunswick property owners
Header photo august blog

Meet Our Summer Staff!

It’s summer and the national and provincial parks are open to the public! People are excited to get outside, enjoy what nature has to offer and go on some well-needed adventures.  

To aid CPAWS NB in our mission to protect our environment and educate the public about natural spaces, we have brought on two summer students to help run our outreach programs. Corrine Donovan and Meriet (Gray) Miller are thrilled to share with you why they care so much about conservation in our province! 

What makes you passionate about conservation and wilderness in New Brunswick? 

Gray – No matter where I go or live, I will always care about the land around me. Every ecosystem and environment are unique, and as a New Brunswicker I feel it is my duty to protect our ecosystem. 

Corrine – I was born and raised in New Brunswick. I grew up going camping, hiking and going on adventures around the province. Knowing the hidden beauties of the province, I have been interested in what opportunities are offered to help preserve and restore the wilderness around us. It is important to me that the environment we love is protected.   

What do you love about working with CPAWS NB? 

Gray – I love having the opportunity to interact and educate young families and children about the importance of environmental conservation. The more we can educate the future generations and people about the importance of conservation, the easier it will be to push policies makers to protect our forests and ocean. 

Corrine – I’ve always had an interest in working for an organization that focuses on the conservation and restoration of New Brunswick; specifically, as I’ve always wanted my home province to be recognized for its unique environment. Helping promote and educate the public about not being afraid to interact with nature but also giving them a better understanding of how to go about it is very important for future generations.  Working with CPAWS NB is an amazing opportunity for me as the organization is filled with passionate, motivated and positive people that all have the goal to make New Brunswick’s wilderness better and brighter.  

What are your plans for school/work after your work period with CPAWS NB? 

Gray –  After I am done working for CPAWS I am going into my 4th year of Biology at UNB Fredericton. I am hoping to study Ecology and use the knowledge I gained at CPAWS to help establish pollinator habitat around the campus. 

Corrine – I am entering my final year of Environmental Technology at New Brunswick Community College this coming fall semester.  My goal is to enter the workforce after graduation as an Environmental Technologist; however, I am considering going to University for Natural Resources after a number of years in the field. My ultimate goal is to go into the conservation and restoration career field as a Technologist to help preserve and/or restore the environment of Canada.  

How do you like to get out and enjoy New Brunswick’s nature?  

Gray – I love the hidden beauty of New Brunswick’s nature, from our many waterfalls to our vast diversity of wildflowers. 

Corrine – I frequently go to the provincial and national parks for camping and hiking. I try to make it a goal to visit as many times as possible in each season. Part of my education and career is to enter the wilderness as well, so it works well for my need to be outside and for my studies/career.  

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Top Environmental Groups Welcome First Step Toward Doubling Nature Protection in New Brunswick

Traditional Land of Wabanaki People/Fredericton — A coalition of five provincial environmental and conservation organizations—Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society-New Brunswick Chapter, Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature NB, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, and the Fundy Biosphere Region—issued the following joint statement in response to the government of New Brunswick’s Nature Legacy announcement today.

“We are pleased to see the provincial government designate nearly 100,000 hectares of new protected areas as part of its commitment to double protected lands and waters in New Brunswick.

Today’s announcement marks an important stage in conservation in our province. First, because a significant proportion of our natural areas are being protected for nature and from industrial development. Our natural environment and our communities are under increasing stress, threatened by the dual crises of climate change and nature loss. Significantly increasing the amount of protected nature in New Brunswick is a critical step toward addressing these crises.

Second, this is the first time the government has included New Brunswickers in identifying natural areas for conservation.

We are grateful for the thousands of New Brunswickers who made today’s announcement possible by standing up and demanding better protection for our forests, rivers and wetlands. New Brunswick citizens nominated many of these natural areas for protection, carrying them over the top with their local knowledge and passion.

But our support for today’s announcement comes with one significant caveat. A crucial opportunity has been missed to advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities through the Nature Legacy program.

Wolastoqiyik, Mi’gmaq and Peskotomuhkati peoples have been the stewards and knowledge keepers of this land since time immemorial. A strong agreement on reconciliation and collaboration would set us on a path for future conservation action. We are committed to doing our part to act as treaty peoples and create a new era of nation-to-nation respect, fairness, cooperation and co-management for unceded land.

We look with hope to the next step for nature protection, as the province moves to fulfill its promise to protect an additional 300,000 hectares of land this year. This next step needs to mend and weave partnerships with Indigenous nations. This is the opportunity for our generation to create a lasting legacy for nature, collaborating in peace and friendship.

 QUOTES

 “It’s a big leap in the right direction that the new protected areas include important wild forests in the Gaspereau headwaters, old forest habitats in the Restigouche, and natural areas that connect to Kouchibouguac, Fundy and Mount Carleton. CPAWS NB encourages governments to revitalize relationships with Indigenous peoples that will lead to co-stewardship for our shared responsibilities to nature.”

—Roberta Clowater, Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter

 

“New Brunswickers love their forests, rivers and wetlands and they are united in wanting government and industry to do a much better job taking care of these important spaces. Today I’m joining the thousands of citizens who are celebrating this announcement for moving us closer to smarter, ecological forest management in New Brunswick.”

—Lois Corbett, Executive Director, Conservation Council of New Brunswick

 

“New Brunswickers have always been a strong voice for New Brunswick nature. This collective  sense of ownership and responsibility has played an important part in keeping the New Brunswick government accountable for their commitment to increasing protected areas. This  first 100,000 is just the beginning and nature lovers from across the province will continue to demand that nature conservation through reconciliation be a priority going forward.”

—Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Executive Director, Nature NB

 

“When New Brunswickers stand up for nature, good things happen. Conserving these precious natural spaces is essential to the survival of our birds, forest wildlife, and endangered wildflowers. They also help protect communities from climate change, and provide recreation and solace to all who visit.”

—Stephanie Merrill, CEO, Nature Trust of New Brunswick

 

“New Brunswick is home to some of Canada’s most unique landscapes that support an incredible diversity of life. As New Brunswickers, we can be proud of the expanding network of protected areas announced today while also pushing for more – more meaningful dialogue and collaboration with Indigenous nations, more conservation corridors for large mammals, and more nature-first industrial solutions.”

—Jennifer Dingman, Executive Director, UNESCO-Designated Fundy Biosphere Region

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To arrange an interview, contact:

Roberta Clowater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter: rclowater@cpaws.org; (506) 452-9902

Lois Corbett, Conservation Council of New Brunswick: lois.corbett@conservationcouncil.ca; (506) 458-8747

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Nature NB: executive.director@naturenb.ca; (506) 459-4209

Eugénie Gaujacq, Nature Trust of New Brunswick: eugenie.gaujacq@ntnb.org; (506) 457-2398

 

For information on specific protected area sites or the animals and plants that will benefit from today’s announcement, contact:

 

Roberta Clowater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter: rclowater@cpaws.org; (506) 452-9902

Jon MacNeill, Conservation Council of New Brunswick:jon.macneill@conservationcouncil.ca;  (506) 458-8747

Vanessa Roy-McDougall, Nature NB: executive.director@naturenb.ca; (506) 459-4209

Eugénie Gaujacq, Nature Trust of New Brunswick: eugenie.gaujacq@ntnb.org; (506) 457-2398

 

 

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CPAWS New Brunswick

180 St. John St.
Fredericton, NB, E3B 4A9
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Tel.: (506) 452-9902
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