News

January 29 2020

La protection de l’océan peut contribuer à la croissance économique.

Selon les résultats d’un récent sondage, les Canadiens de l’Atlantique pensent que la protection de l’océan peut contribuer à la croissance économique.

Les résultats d’un récent sondage révèlent que les Canadiens de l’Atlantique reconnaissent l’importance de l’océan pour l’économie du Canada atlantique et préconisent une protection accrue des aires marines. Cette étude a été réalisée en août et en septembre 2019; 1 500 personnes de la Nouvelle-Écosse, du Nouveau-Brunswick, de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard et de Terre-Neuve y ont participé.

Les Canadiens de l’Atlantique estiment que l’océan joue un rôle primordial dans notre prospérité collective : 99 % des répondants ont déclaré que l’océan et l’environnement marin revêtent une importance cruciale pour l’économie de leur région. La majorité (63 %) d’entre eux pense également que les politiques et les lois qui protègent l’environnement contribuent à la croissance économique.

« Les gens pensent parfois, à tort, qu’il y a un choix à faire entre la viabilité économique et la santé environnementale », explique Susanna Fuller, vice-présidente, Exploitation et projets, à Océans Nord Canada. « Mais la plupart des Canadiens de l’Atlantique sont conscients du fait que les politiques qui protègent notre océan jouent également un rôle fondamental dans l’amélioration et la protection de moyens de subsistance durables. »

Au-delà de la valeur monétaire, les répondants ont reconnu la valeur intrinsèque de l’océan ainsi que son importance en raison de ses autres contributions au bien-être de l’être humain : ils ont cité la beauté naturelle de l’océan, son importance en tant que source alimentaire, son écosystème et sa faune. Non moins de 72 % des répondants ont également dit qu’ils bénéficiaient de produits de la mer frais, ce qui montre bien que l’océan joue un rôle important dans la sécurité alimentaire.

« Lorsque nous avons travaillé dans les collectivités côtières, nous avons constaté que les gens se souciaient réellement de l’océan et souhaitaient qu’il soit protégé de toute une série de menaces », a affirmé Matthew Abbott, directeur du Programme de conservation marine du Conseil de conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick. « Les résultats de ce sondage doivent inciter les décideurs à se rendre compte de la valeur de la santé océanique et à prendre les mesures nécessaires pour répondre aux préoccupations des Canadiens de l’Atlantique. »

Bien que la création de zones marines protégées fasse l’objet de controverses dans certaines collectivités côtières, 86 % des répondants se sont dit en faveur de l’établissement d’une zone protégée dans leur région.

« Étant Donné les pressions du changement climatique, qui viennent s’ajouter aux autres utilisations que nous faisons des océans, les gouvernements fédéral, autochtones et provinciaux doivent collaborer avec les collectivités pour créer, dans les zones appropriées du Canada atlantique, un plus grand nombre de zones protégées solides afin de préserver l’environnement océanique naturel, si précieux pour les gens de l’Atlantique », affirme Roberta Clowater, directrice générale de la section du Nouveau-Brunswick de la Société pour la protection des parcs et des sites naturels du Canada.

Lorsqu’on leur a demandé quelles étaient, selon eux, les principales menaces pour l’environnement marin, les répondants ont cité en premier le plastique et la pollution (83 % et 82 %, respectivement); venaient ensuite le changement climatique (67 %), la surpêche (59 %), les pétroliers ainsi que le pétrole et le gaz extracôtiers (48 %), et, finalement, la navigation et le transport maritime (21 %). Pour contrecarrer ces menaces, les participants ont appuyé l’adoption de lois plus contraignantes pour lutter contre le méfaits de la pollution et du plastique (86 %), de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière (74 %) et de la surpêche (61 %). Pour ce qui est des mesures spécifiques de protection de l’océan, 85 % des répondants ont appuyé la protection des espèces en voie de disparition et 73 % d’entre eux la création de zones protégées.

En ce qui concerne les mesures qui s’appliquent spécifiquement aux espèces, 86 % des répondants au courant de la menace qui pèse sur la baleine noire de l’Atlantique Nord ont estimé que les mesures de protection et de conservation revêtaient une importance cruciale.

Lorsqu’on leur a demandé en qui ils avaient le plus confiance pour gérer et protéger l’océan, 40 % des répondants ont mentionné les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux. D’autres ont indiqué les organisations vouées à la conservation, l’industrie de la pêche, les collectivités locales et le milieu scientifique. « Il est clair que nous devons unir nos forces dans le cadre d’un effort collectif afin de préserver la santé de notre océan de façon à pouvoir transmettre aux futures générations de notre région les bienfaits dont nous jouissons aujourd’hui », souligne M^me Fuller.

Sondage soutenu par the Ocean Foundation.

Pour plus d’information, veuillez contacter :

Susanna D. Fuller, VP Operations and Projects, Oceans North

susannafuller@oceansnorth.ca | 902-483-5033

Matt Abbott, Director of Marine Programs, Conservation Council of New Brunswick / Conseil de Conservation Nouveau Brunswick

matt.abbott@conservationcouncil.ca | 506-321-0429

Roberta Clowater, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, New Brunswick Chapter / Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – section Nouveau-Brunswick

rclowater@cpaws.org | 506-452-9902

January 16 2020

10 Tips to overcome Eco-Anxiety this year

Steve Reid Blog, News

We did it! We’ve made it through the first two weeks of a new decade and if you’re anything like me, you’re still riding that energetic wave that comes with a new year and a fresh blanket of snow. As we dig into 2020, it is more important now than ever before that we surge forward with hope and positivity as we rise to the challenges of climate breakdown and worldwide wildlife loss. During the countdown to 2020, we shared a list of our top tips for overcoming eco-anxiety this year that we hope you’ll remember as you connect with nature and take action with us in conservation.

Tourists explore the St. Martins sea caves in St. Martins, New Brunswick, by Nick Hawkins

1. Go for a nature walk – It’s true that one of the best things we can do when we’re feeling overwhelmed, whether that be from environmental crises or the stress of everyday life, is to get outside. Choose a local trail or plan a longer hike to reconnect with the nature you love and take a deep breath of fresh air.

2. Take action for your favourite ecosystems – Over the holidays, we encouraged our followers to have their say in establishing the Restigouche River Waterway. As the Government of New Brunswick looks to keep its promise to protect 10% of our natural areas this year, follow our social media pages closely for calls to action to protect your favourite ecosystems in 2020.

3. Voice your support – At CPAWS-NB, we want to encourage you to speak up for nature, and one of the best things you can do to overcome your eco-anxiety is to tell your local representatives and decision-makers that protecting nature is important to you! You can write your own letters or emails, or keep your eyes peeled this year for letter writing campaigns from CPAWS-NB. Adding your voice helps us to show leaders that New Brunswickers support conservation action in our province.

Add your voice in our campaign to protect the Bay of Fundy, here.

Harbour porpoise, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, by Nick Hawkins

4. Nominate an area for protection – Do you have a special place in nature in New Brunswick? One that you feel is worth protecting? This year, we will be looking for folks like you to nominate their favourite wilderness areas for protection. Be sure to reach out to CPAWS-NB to share your stories and help us to increase conservation coverage across the province. Take a look, here.

5. Talk it out – Being worried about the environment can take a big toll but talking about our worries is a great way to combat eco-anxiety. Share your concerns with your friends, family, and colleagues and work together to find ways to overcome eco-anxiety and support conservation action. Don’t forget to also share why you love nature and why you’re thankful to have it in your life!

6. Hold leaders accountable – Late last year, the provincial government promised to increase protected area coverage to 10% by the end of 2020. We were thrilled by this commitment, and it will be important for us all to hold leaders accountable in meeting this target over the next 12 months! You can overcome your eco-anxiety by helping us to see this through and sharing our message whenever and wherever possible. Send a letter today, here!

CPAWS-NB Get Outside program at Mactaquac Provincial Park, photo by Steve Reid.

7. Be a teacher – Have you been taking the time to learn about ecosystems and nature in New Brunswick? We want you to share your knowledge! Teach those around you, family and friends of all ages, about nature, about climate breakdown, and about what we can all do to ensure that New Brunswick’s forests, wetlands, and coasts remain healthy.

8. Give a gift – CPAWS-NB works together with provincial, federal, and territorial governments, local communities, and engaged folks like you to see that New Brunswick’s nature is protected and enjoyed by all. Supporting CPAWS-NB with a gift can help us to keep doing our work all year long, and we are so thankful for any support you can give. You can give a gift any time, here.

You might also want to give the gift of time and action this year! Join us as a volunteer, get started here.

9. Visit a park – Did you know that New Brunswick is home to nine beautiful and fun provincial parks? This year make a plan to visit a park or two (or three or four) to see the best of New Brunswick’s nature. Ready to get started? Visit one of our year-round parks, including Mactaquac Provincial Park, Mount Carleton Provincial Park, or Sugarloaf Provincial Park, to enjoy some winter activities in the crisp snowy air!

10. Join the conservation community – New Brunswick is home to a vibrant community of conservation enthusiasts! Join CPAWS-NB for one of our many events this year. Through the winter and spring, we host a Tuesday Talks speaker series where we hear from members of this community and engage in lively discussion. In the summer, we host lots of events across our provincial parks. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest events.

Eco-anxiety can be tough, but by trying some of these tips we can overcome our worry and work together to ensure that the special wilderness of New Brunswick thrives into the future. CPAWS-NB wishes you a happy and hopeful year ahead!

Header photo of Fundy National Park by Nick Hawkins.

Julie Reimer is a PhD student at the Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Board Member of CPAWS-NB. Having worked in the whale watching industry in New Brunswick and conducted her Master’s research on conservation planning for the North Atlantic right whale, Julie is an advocate for MPAs in New Brunswick. Julie’s current research attempts to see the “bigger picture” of conservation, reaching beyond protected areas to understand the synergies between conservation actions and ocean industries. To connect with Julie, visit http://juliereimer.wixsite.com/hello.

December 19 2019

Meet the CPAWS-NB Team: Courtney and Claire

Steve Reid Blog, News

Did you hear? CPAWS-NB celebrated a big anniversary this year: 15 years serving our province in advocacy for nature and conservation! As the new year fast approaches, we wanted to take the time to introduce you to our wonderful team who have worked hard to make made years past, present, and future successful.

The staff at CPAWS-NB work as a great team—one united by a shared vision of a protected New Brunswick where biodiversity thrive and communities across our province appreciate and enjoy natural wonders from wetland, to forest, to river, to ocean. Under the leadership of our Executive Director, Roberta Clowater, the women of CPAWS-NB are leaders in their own right: giving voices to ecosystems and connecting with New Brunswickers to inspire a love of nature and a desire to protect it. Two of those leaders, Courtney and Claire, have shared their experience and insight on all things CPAWS-NB with you!

Meet Claire Vézina! A New Brunswicker who’s upbringing in nature has inspired her to join our team as the Conservation Engagement Assistant.

What role do you play in the CPAWS NB team?

I coordinate the Watch Your Paws Education Program where we visit classrooms between grades 4 and 6 to teach the students about New Brunswick animals, the importance of protected areas, and responsible action in nature. I also translate our social media posts and action pages to French, as well as oversee our Facebook page.

What led you to your work with CPAWS NB?

I applied for a summer internship with CPAWS NB in 2018 and experienced some of the programs the organization runs in the summer months. I was also very fortunate to get insight into the work CPAWS NB does in conservation in the province through Roberta, our Executive Director. When I came back to Fredericton at the end of this summer (2019), I very much wanted to return to environmental work, and was lucky enough to be offered a position with CPAWS NB for the year. So far, I am enjoying my experience with this organization!

What motivates you to work in the environmental movement?

I think having grown up in and to be living in a province with so much natural beauty is the basis of my motivation. My parents took me out into nature and shared their love of nature as soon as I was born. I grew up feeling grateful for this beautiful place we call home. As I interacted with the world around me, I realized that those who did not feel the same sense of urgency I felt for protecting our natural spaces had never really been exposed to them. I knew I had to find a way to get people outside so they could experience it too.

It is still that sense of gratitude for nature that motivates me to work in the environmental movement. Nature has given us so much, and it is only fair that we return the favor.

Tell us something uniquely you…

In 2017, I competed in Dublin, Ireland at the World Championships of Irish Dance!

Courtney Piercy joined our team in 2017 and has been a big help in our marine protected area projects! She currently works as our Marine Education Coordinator.

What role do you play in the CPAWS NB team?

I coordinate our marine and coastal conservation campaigns. A big part of this is highlighting the importance and diversity of these often-mysterious areas located in our own backyard!

What led you to your work with CPAWS NB?

I’ve always been passionate about the environment, conservation and sharing these passions with others. My position at CPAWS NB allows me to work on conservation initiatives within our province as well as connect people to nature through education and outreach opportunities.

What motivates you to work in the environmental movement?

I grew up in rural New Brunswick, with many opportunities to experience our province’s nature just minutes from my door. My connection to nature since childhood drives me to work in the environmental field – from work on conservation campaigns, to helping others appreciate and explore the natural areas New Brunswick has to offer!

Tell us something uniquely you…

I’m most at home when I’m on, or in the water. Through school, work and volunteer opportunities I’ve had up-close encounters with sharks, turtles, whales, dolphins and manatees. Whale sharks are next on my bucket list!

With our 16^th year in action and advocacy ahead, we asked Claire and Courtney what they’re looking forward to most! Not surprisingly, our team is really excited to see conservation coverage increase in the province.

What are you most looking forward to for CPAWS in 2020?

Claire: I am very excited to see our province make steps to protect 10% of our natural areas, and I’m particularly excited to see CPAWS NB’s ongoing project to establish the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway Park finally underway! I am also looking forward to seeing my first Watch Your Paws School Program through.

Courtney: Seeing the government of New Brunswick act on their promise of protecting 10% of the province for nature, a big step forward for New Brunswick conservation efforts!

The year ahead is sure to be an exciting one with these two a part of our team, and we can’t be more thankful to have them. Stay tuned in January to learn about the rest of our team—Kelsey, Brittany, Steve, and, of course, Roberta will share their stories in the new year!

The CPAWS-NB team wishes you and your communities a happy holiday season and a very bright new year! Thank you for sharing this conservation journey with us.

Give the gift of nature! Support the work of CPAWS-NB in protecting New Brunswick’s wilderness with a donation today.

Header photo by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

December 5 2019

Connecting with Nature on the Restigouche River

Steve Reid Blog, News

Have you been keeping up with the volunteers of our Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program? This August, 10 volunteers from across the province visited the beautiful Restigouche River and experienced the wonder of this currently unprotected watershed first-hand. Over two days, our volunteers connected with local experts and set out on a canoe expedition down the clear, calm waters of the Restigouche, all the while developing a deeper understanding of the conservation challenges facing this area.

Aidan Hicks, a volunteer with the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program at CPAWS-NB, Photo by Justin Dutcher

This month we are excited to showcase more of our volunteers and their experiences with the program. We are pleased to introduce you to Aidan Hicks, Benuelle Cabiara, and Dustin Gamblin!

During their time on the Restigouche, our volunteers were asked to reflect on how important protected areas are in New Brunswick. For Benuelle, the experience made her feel more connected to nature and fueled a passion for conservation. She shared, “New Brunswick is the epitome of natural beauty, a picture of mother nature. It is so unfortunate to know that we are lagging behind in protecting the wilderness and the wildlife that exist within our areas.” Aidan echoed this sentiment and noted that his time on the Restigouche river “definitely shaped my vision of how much natural space in New Brunswick needs to be protected.”

Their experience on the river came at an excellent time for conservation in the province. Recently, there has been movement by the provincial government towards designating this ecosystem as the Restigouche Wilderness Waterway Park. The new proposed park will encompass 20,000 hectares of land along the Restigouche, Kedgwick, Patapedia, Upsalquitch and Little Main Restigouche Rivers. Not only will this project create an important protected zone around the Restigouche River system, but tourism in the area will also see new growth and opportunities. “Despite the current lack of good environmental policy, there are still beautiful landscapes with clean water and abundant life here in New Brunswick” commented Dustin. “A healthy environment is crucial to a strong economy long term”, and we are so excited at CPAWS-NB to see this come to life on the Restigouche.

Dustin Gamblin, a volunteer with the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program at CPAWS-NB, Photo by Justin Dutcher

With new ecotourism opportunities on the horizon, we asked our volunteers to weigh-in on the topic. Aidan felt that “ecotourism can be a way for people to experience nature and learn about why some places are so important to protect. Thanks to Arpin Canoe Restigouche, I got to experience the Restigouche River and to see the seemingly pristine landscape first-hand.” For Benuelle, the value of a strong ecotourism industry became apparent during her time on the river, “people from different parts of the country visit the Restigouche to feel truly connected to nature. Ecotourism does not only provide jobs to many individuals in the province, it also promotes environmental conservation and supports local communities to be economically independent.”

This winter, the CPAWS-NB team will be working with our volunteer stewards to imagine and create community projects that highlight the importance of protected natural areas in our province and that use our parks and protected areas as the backdrop for fun educational activities. We are beyond excited to see what our volunteers come up with! As Aidan puts it, “having this experience and ideas for the project has me really excited to get started working in the community on things.” Benuelle is also looking forward to reaching out to others through her project, “this trip has inspired me to think of ways to share my passion through inspiring other individuals to be more connected to nature and to care more about conservation in New Brunswick. I believe that if more people are aware of the beauty and importance of our natural environment, more people would want to protect it for the future generation.”

Benuelle Cabiara, a volunteer with the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program at CPAWS-NB, Photo by Justin Dutcher

It’s clear as the river’s water that the Restigouche is a natural area worth protecting. “I feel like there are no words to properly describe and give justice to how beautiful the place is. You just have to see it for yourself” said Benuelle, “I was captivated by the view and the amount of wildlife that I witnessed during our canoe trip. I have never seen a body of water as pristine and beautiful as the Restigouche River” she continued. And while Dustin notes that there is still work to do, he also remains optimistic for the future of the Restigouche. “Fortunately, there is a growing population who recognize that problems exist, but there also exist solutions. And that is cause to remain hopeful.”

Be sure to follow our blog into the new year for more updates on the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program and the exciting work of our volunteer stewards in your communities across the province!

Header photo by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

Brittany Dixon is the Conservation Engagement Coordinator with CPAWS-NB. Through her work with CPAWS, Brittany enjoys the opportunity to combine her love of outdoor exploration with a passion for nature conservation. It is her hope to share this passion with others to demonstrate the value and importance of protecting New Brunswick’s natural areas.

Want to follow the amazing work of our Wilderness Ambassadors? Watch for #CPAWSinAction by following us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CPAWSNewBrunswick) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/cpawsnb).

Funded by the Government of Canada under the Canada Service Corps program. To learn more about the Canadian Service corps visit their website (https://www.canada.ca/en/services/youth/canada-service-corps.html).

November 21 2019

Biodiversity loss, the climate crisis, and why we need to act now

Steve Reid Blog, News

Written by Sandra Bender

If you care about the planet’s survival, you need to know about biodiversity and its important relationship to climate change.

Photo attributed to Isiwal/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Biodiversity encompasses all of the genes, species, and ecosystems that make up life on this planet, including humans. It includes all of the flora and fauna across terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic environments. Simply put, biodiversity is the basis of life on earth.

If our planet’s biodiversity is in poor health, we are in trouble. Biodiversity provides clean air, water, soil, food, resources and many other “ecosystem services” that we all need to survive. Wildlife and the ecosystems they live in help to capture carbon and help environments to adapt to extreme situations like flooding, fires, and drought. These services are crucial in this time of climate crisis.

This May, the United Nations IPBES—Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, released a report that paints a grim picture of the present state of global biodiversity, and the future looking worse if we do not act now. According to the report, scientific evidence shows that ecosystems, species, and wild populations are shrinking, weakening, or vanishing more rapidly and to a greater extent than ever before¹. What is the main cause of this fast and threatening biodiversity loss? It’s quite simple: human activities.

Photo attributed to Robert Jack Will/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 2.0

Human-caused climate change is one of the top three biggest drivers of global biodiversity loss, and its impact is only expected to increase¹. Many of the current targets proposed by countries to reduce the carbon-emitting activities causing climate change, including Canada, are not sufficient to reduce climate change impacts. Between 20% and 30% of plant and animal species are likely to be at an increased risk of extinction if the global average temperature change exceeds 1.5-2°C¹. In Canada, average temperatures are rising two times as fast as the rest of the world, with changes in Canada’s north seeing increases closer to three times the global average².

If we continue on our present path, the damage will continue and will likely be irreparable—but there is hope! Since human activity is a direct cause of both climate change and global biodiversity loss, if we act quickly, we can have a future full of healthy wildlife and sustainable ecosystems.

Protecting wilderness areas is a critical step in mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity. Wilderness areas can include critical habitats of at-risk species and can provide connectivity within and across ecosystems important for species survival. They also include important ecosystems like forests and wetlands that capture and store carbon. Forests and wetlands also provide crucial buffers to extreme storms and flooding caused by climate change, and these ecosystems function best, and are more resilient to the effects of climate change, when biodiversity is intact.

Photo “Horse Shoe Bend version Quebec” by Geoff Llerena, Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0

Environment Canada has estimated the number of eco-regions at high risk for biodiversity loss in Canada. Of the 177 eco-regions identified, 14 – or 7% of Canada – are considered to be at high risk of losing the plants and animals that support healthy ecosystems³. Canada is in desperate need of more protected areas if we are to limit the impacts of climate change to wildlife, wilderness, and our local communities.

The advantages for species in protected wilderness areas are real. Research shows that plant and animal populations are larger inside protected areas, and more types of species are found inside their boundaries compared to surrounding areas. In Canada, some of our least protected areas are the most important for species at risk of extinction, for carbon storage, and for adaptation to climate change⁴. A recent announcement by the New Brunswick government to protect 10% of the province’s nature by 2020 is a welcome first step in bringing it in line with other provinces in Canada⁵.

Now, more than ever, we need to protect our wilderness. The planet’s survival may depend on it.

Help us keep the positive momentum going! Send a letter to your local representative to keep their promise of protecting 10% by 2020.

Read more about New Brunswick biodiversity initiatives here.

Check out our blog on Canada’s biodiversity goals here.

References:

¹ Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services/IPBES. (2019). UN Report: Nature’s Dangerous Decline ‘Unprecedented’; ‘Species Extinction Rates Accelarating’. Accessed November 12, 2019 from: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/blog/2019/05/nature-decline-unprecedented-report/

² Bush, E. and Lemmen, D.S., editors (2019): Canada’s Changing Climate Report; Government of Canada, Ottawa, ON. 444 p. Accessed November 12, 2019 from: https://changingclimate.ca/CCCR2019/

³ Bourdages, J.-L. & Labelle, C. (2003). Protecting wild species at risk in Canada. Science and Technology Division, PRB 00-19E. Accessed November 12, 2019 from: http://publications.gc.ca/Collection-R/LoPBdP/BP/prb0019-e.htm#introtxt

⁴ World Wildlife Fund Canada. (2019). Wildlife protection assessment: A national habitat crisis. Accessed November 12, 2019 from http://www.wwf.ca/wildlife_protection_assessment.cfm

⁵ CBC News. (2019). New Brunswick plans to double amount of protected natural areas before Accessed November 12, 2019 from: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/double-conservation-natural-areas-new-brunswick-1.5338670

November 7 2019

Getting Protected Areas Right

Steve Reid Blog, News Parks and Protected Areas

We had big news last week at CPAWS-NB! Maybe you heard that the Province of New Brunswick just announced their commitment to protecting 10% of our province by 2020? In a province where there is currently less than 5% coverage of protected areas, more than doubling this amount is a significant and exciting move! Creating new protected areas can help to keep plants and animals thriving, ecosystems vibrant, and our communities more resilient to climate breakdown.

Despite their many benefits, not all protected areas are created equal – depending on how and where protected areas are designed, they might be very effective or not effective at all in protecting wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems. Science has given us all kinds of important information on how protected areas should be designed, with advice ranging from simplistic to much easier said than done. To get the ball rolling in New Brunswick, we’ve summarized some of the science into five qualities of good protected areas that do what they’re meant to do: protect nature!

1. Protect something worth protecting – It might sound straightforward, but this is a critical first step in creating a new protected area: deciding where it should go. It’s easy to protect areas that are far away from humans and don’t contain many of the resources we like to harvest, but often the areas that most need protecting are ones that include humans and our activities. To design a good protected area, we need to choose an area that is worthy of protection – one that has the diverse species and habitats that make ecosystems function so well; one that has endangered species needing conservation attention; or one that has species and ecosystems unique to our region. In New Brunswick, we need to increase our coverage to a meaningful 10% that protects our natural spaces and the way they work.

2. Create a buffer from threats – We’ve seen it before: a protected area is created that limits the types and amount of activities we can do in an area, but those activities are all allowed just outside the boundary. The problem is that wildlife don’t know about this boundary, and ecosystem processes happen across a much wider area. It’s important to create a protected area that gradually increases human activities beyond the boundary, sometimes called a “buffer zone”, giving wildlife an opportunity to adapt their behaviours and creating a core zone in the protected area where conservation benefits are plentiful.

3. Think about the bigger picture – It’s not enough to think about a single protected area in isolation. Science tells us that many protected areas have more benefits than few. We also know that a “network” of protected areas, where many protected areas are designed to work together to provide even greater benefits, are one of our best tools for conservation. When designing protected areas, we need to think about the bigger picture of conservation. How can our protected areas work together to ensure healthy ecosystems across the province? How can we limit our activities to give wildlife the best chance of survival across our municipalities and into our neighbouring provinces? These are questions we can ask as we build from 5% to 10% protected areas in New Brunswick.

4. Create an enabling conservation community – At the end of the day, it is up to people to make good choices for nature and to bring our protected areas to life. A good protected area is one built on good governance where laws and policies enable strong conservation action. Designing new protected areas in our province will need lots of collaboration from a community who can work together toward our conservation goals, creating protected areas that get the conservation job done.

5. Protected areas today for tomorrow – There’s no doubt about it: as climate continues to breakdown, things in our province are going to change – and this matters for the protected areas we create now. While we might be creating protected areas for 2020, we need to be thinking about what these will look like, and how they might be adapted, in 2021, 2030, and beyond. As environments change and wildlife shift in response to climate change, our protected areas may become more or less effective. New protected areas should be planned with the future in mind, ensuring that our conservation efforts remain effective and continue to protect wildlife and ecosystems in years to come.

With 2020 just around the corner, it is time to get to work! Our team at CPAWS-NB is eager to work together with governments, Indigenous Peoples, our fellow environmental non-profit organizations, and New Brunswickers to get this protected area story right. New Brunswick has an opportunity to do the conservation work that’s needed and do it well, leading by example in protecting the places that make Canada’s ecosystems so special.

Want to help? Tell your local representative that we need to keep the momentum going toward strong and effective protected areas. Sign your letter here!

Listen to what our Executive Director, Roberta Clowater, has to say about the province’s announcement last week here.

Header photo by Nick Hawkins

October 28 2019

Le Nouveau-Brunswick s’engage pour la protection de la nature

Steve Reid News

Une coalition composée de cinq organisations provinciales environnementales et de conservation : la Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section Nouveau-Brunswick, le Conseil de la conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick, Conservation de la nature Canada – Région de l’Atlantique, Nature NB et la Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick ont fait un communiqué conjoint pour saluer le récent engagement du gouvernement du Nouveau-Brunswick à protéger 10 % de la surface totale des terres émergées du Nouveau-Brunswick d’ici 2020.

« Nous sommes heureux d’entendre l’annonce du gouvernement provincial qui s’engage à conserver 10 % de la surface totale des terres émergées du Nouveau-Brunswick d’ici 2020. Le Nouveau-Brunswick est réputé pour ses espèces sauvages et son patrimoine naturel remarquables. Cette annonce permettra aux futurs citoyens du Nouveau-Brunswick de découvrir la nature à l’état sauvage, d’observer la flore et la faune dans leur habitat naturel. Ces espaces naturels demeureront intacts pour pouvoir résister aux impacts climatiques.

Étant donné que le changement climatique est à l’origine de conditions météorologiques plus extrêmes et imprévisibles, il est d’autant plus important de protéger les aires naturelles afin qu’elles jouent le rôle de défenses naturelles face aux répercussions des tempêtes, des inondations et des sécheresses. Cet engagement de conservation d’habitats importants qui dispersent et absorbent les eaux de crue, stabilisent le sol et la neige, et réduisent l’impact des ondes de tempête constitue une étape très importante pour la province en termes d’adaptation aux changements climatiques.

À l’échelle mondiale, plus d’un million d’espèces sont en péril en raison de la perte de biodiversité. En conservant plus d’habitats et d’écosystèmes dynamiques, nous contribuons non seulement à la protection des plantes, des animaux et de la biodiversité du Nouveau-Brunswick, mais également à celle des espèces en péril, notamment les espèces migratoires, qui dépendent de l’habitat offert par le Nouveau-Brunswick pour survivre.

Actuellement, le Nouveau-Brunswick est en avant-dernière position en termes de pourcentage (4,6 %) de surface totale d’aires protégées par rapport au reste du Canada. Des milliers de Néo-Brunswickois de toute la province ont envoyé des lettres et ont signé des pétitions pour soutenir la protection accrue des espaces naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick et pour encourager notre province à contribuer activement à l’objectif national de 17 % de protection des terres et des eaux douces du Canada d’ici 2020. Le gouvernement a écouté les Néo-Brunswickois à propos de cet enjeu essentiel.

Toutes les organisations se sont engagées à travailler avec les communautés autochtones de toute la province sur les enjeux de réconciliation et environnementaux tels que la conservation des terres et des espèces sauvages, les espèces en péril et le changement climatique. »

Personnes-ressources :

Roberta Clowater, Société pour la nature et les parcs du Canada – Section Nouveau-Brunswick; courriel : rclowater@cpaws.org; téléphone : (506) 452-9902.

Lois Corbett, Conseil de la conservation du Nouveau-Brunswick; courriel :lois.corbett@conservationcouncil.ca; téléphone : (506) 458-8747

Paula Noel, Conservation de la nature Canada – Région de l’Atlantique; courriel : Paula.Noel@natureconservancy.ca; téléphone : (506) 450-6010.

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

Renata Woodward, Fondation pour la protection des sites naturels du Nouveau-Brunswick; courriel : renata.woodward@ntnb.org; téléphone : (506) 261-1260.

October 28 2019

New Brunswick Leaps Forward on Protecting Nature

Steve Reid News protected natural areas

A coalition of five provincial environmental and conservation organizations: the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – New Brunswick Chapter, the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, Nature Conservancy of Canada – Atlantic, Nature NB, and the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, have issued a joint statement in support of the Government of New Brunswick’s recent commitment to protecting 10% of New Brunswick’s total land mass by 2020.

“We are pleased to hear the provincial government’s announcement to commit to conserving 10% of New Brunswick’s total land mass by 2020. New Brunswick is known for its remarkable wildlife and natural heritage. This announcement ensures that future citizens of New Brunswick will have the opportunity to discover wild nature, to see flora and fauna in their natural settings, and it ensures that these natural spaces will remain intact so they can weather the storms of climatic impacts.

As the changing climate causes more extreme and unpredictable weather, it is even more important to protect natural areas, so that they can act as natural defenses against the impacts of storms, floods and droughts. This commitment to conserving significant habitats that disperse and absorb floodwaters, stabilize soil and snow, and reduce the impact of storm surges is a considerable step forward for the province in terms of climate change adaptation.

Globally, more than one million species are at risk due to loss of biodiversity. By conserving more habitat and functioning ecosystems, we are helping to not only protect the plants, animals, and biodiversity of New Brunswick, but also species at risk, including migratory species, that rely on New Brunswick habitat for their survival.

Currently, New Brunswick has the second lowest percentage (4.6%) of total protected land compared to the rest of Canada. Thousands of New Brunswickers from throughout the province sent letters and signed petitions to support increasing the protection of New Brunswick’s natural spaces and to encourage our province to actively contribute to the national goal of 17% of Canada’s land and freshwater protected by 2020. The government has listened to New Brunswickers on this critical issue.

All our organizations are committed to working with Indigenous communities throughout the province on reconciliation and environmental issues such as land and wildlife conservation, species at risk, and climate change.”

Contacts:

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

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

Paula Noel, Nature Conservancy of Canada – Atlantic: email Paula.Noel@natureconservancy.ca; phone (506) 450-6010

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

Renata Woodward, Nature Trust of New Brunswick: email renata.woodward@ntnb.org; phone (506) 261-1260

CPAWS NB’s Roberta Clowater interview with CBC NB’s Shift on New Brunswick’s 10% for Nature announcement.

October 15 2019

Inspiration ignites on the Restigouche River

Steve Reid Blog, News wilderness stewardship program

A smooth stroke through calm water. The shimmering silver of a fish below the surface. The deep and quiet green of the forested shoreline. The sense that this place holds so much to explore. The Restigouche River is one of eastern Canada’s most spectacular, most inspiring wild watersheds, one for all New Brunswickers to enjoy.

This summer, CPAWS-NB greeted volunteers for our Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program with a two-day excursion into the Restigouche, and it was an experience we won’t soon forget! By why have us tell you about it when we can hear from the wonderful folks who joined us on the river? We asked Ross Kinney and Gracyn McLaughlin, two of our volunteers and stewards, to share their stories and insights.

For Ross, his time on the Restigouche River was most memorable. “It is one thing to hear about a place or see pictures, but to actually be in the midst of the rolling hills and winding riverbed and variety of trees is an impressive scene.” The Restigouche is a Canadian Heritage River, flowing across northwestern New Brunswick and Quebec’s Gaspé, through 1 million hectares of valleys, hills, and streams. For Gracyn, “experiencing the Restigouche made me feel inspired to promote and pursue conservation in New Brunswick” – a sentiment we share at CPAWS-NB!

For many, the Restigouche is only the beginning. New Brunswick has so much to offer in wilderness, so much to explore and protect. After his experience, Ross would like to see more of the Restigouche and to explore more of the province’s natural wonders. As Ross puts it, “we are fortunate to have such splendours in our backyard, and we have a responsibility to be mindful stewards and caretakers of what we’ve been given. NB alone has so many valuable and meaningful areas worthy of conservation.”

The Restigouche still needs protection that will preserve wilderness while supporting local ecotourism. Gracyn’s experience on the Restigouche opened her eyes to the importance of ecotourism in New Brunswick: “not only does it let people explore and visit areas they might not know about, but it also supports many locals who have a passion for the outdoors and want to get more people outside.” Ross shared a similar sentiment, saying that “being exposed to the natural world forces us to question our exploitation and abuse of it. Ecotourism can build momentum and awareness for the conservation movement, in addition to exposing generations to the wonders of the outdoors.”

Through the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program, both Gracyn and Ross will be working with CPAWS NB to build conservation projects in their own communities. We are excited to see how they will use their passion for conservation and their experience on the Restigouche to engage with others. Ross is looking forward to getting folks outside; “by engaging, exploring, and experiencing the wilderness, I hope people will be affected and choose to think more critically about our role in and responsibility for the natural world.”

The power of nature on the soul is something special—something Grace experienced as this experience awakened a passion for the outdoors. “So many people are not aware of the beauty they can see when they leave the house for just a few hours. I believe this experience will really make me want to promote the importance of protecting wildlife in New Brunswick and get people excited about being outside in such a technology driven society.”

Our hope at CPAWS-NB is that all New Brunswickers can enjoy a nature experience, whether on the Restigouche or closer to home. We can’t wait to watch these two volunteers connect with their communities and spread the conservation movement across the province. To learn more about the volunteers of the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program, look for future editions of our blog at www.cpawsnb.org.

Photos by Justin Dutcher, Dutch Elms Studios

Author Bio: Brittany Dixon is the Conservation Engagement Coordinator with CPAWS-NB. Through her work with CPAWS, Brittany enjoys the opportunity to combine her love of outdoor exploration with a passion for nature conservation. It is her hope to share this passion with others to demonstrate the value and importance of protecting New Brunswick’s natural areas.

September 10 2019

CPAWS NB Chosen for The North Face Grant

Steve Reid News

Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter Chosen as 2019 The North Face Canada Explore Fund Grant Recipient

The Explore Fund Empowers Future Explorers by Removing Barriers to Getting Outside

Today, we’re excited to announce that Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – NB Chapter (CPAWS NB) has been chosen as a 2019 The North Face Canada Explore Fund grant recipient!

With the support of The North Face Canada, CPAWS NB has been able to recruit and guide ten youth volunteers of the Canadian Wilderness Stewardship Program through a wilderness trip and canoe expedition on the Restigouche River. Participants have been chosen from various NB communities and backgrounds and are gaining an appreciation and connection to the wilderness around them as they return home to create conservation projects in their own communities. Through these service projects and outreach activities, we expect our volunteers to reach and engage with 1000 young Canadians, furthering a love for the outdoors and a passion for environmental protection. This funding support will enable CPAWS NB to ensure Stewards have a successful and rewarding experience and become life-long ambassadors for their local wild spaces.

CPAWS NB is one of 7 Explore Fund grantees this year across a diverse range of organizations helping to remove barriers to get people outside.

“For nearly 10 years, The North Face has been working to increase equity in the outdoors through the Explore Fund,” said Carl Bissonnette, Sr. Canadian Marketing Manager. “The Explore Fund searches out and supports organizations that use the power of exploration and the benefits of nature to strengthen communities around the country.”

The North Face has been encouraging exploration since the brand’s inception – from our national monuments to local parks and trails close to our backyards. Knowing that exploration can be a force for good, they created the Explore Fund in 2010 to build a movement of outdoor exploration and empower future explorers. Since then, they have granted $3.75 million to more than 600 programs across North America, helping people of all backgrounds and all experiences to explore the outdoors.

For more information, see www.cpawsnb.org and the Explore Fund.