Tories biggest threat to UNESCO bid
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/07/2011 (5539 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
I am pleased to update Sun readers on the status of the proposed World Heritage Project on the east side of Lake Winnipeg and to correct misinformation recently put forward recently by columnist Deveryn Ross in these pages (July 9).
In 2004, our government partnered with east side First Nations and the Government of Ontario to establish a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of one of the last remaining areas of intact southern boreal shield forest left in the world.
The nomination bid for Pimachiowin Aki, meaning “the land that gives life,” is being led by representatives from Bloodvein, Little Grand Rapids, Pauingassi, Pikangikum, and Poplar River First Nations. Manitoba and Ontario are supporting this process. All partners are targeting to have the nomination formally submitted in early 2012.
The nomination process involves considerable work including community consultations, research, mapping and land-use planning. At no time has Manitoba indicated the bid is complete.
Protecting 40,000 square kilometres of boreal forest, an area roughly the size of Denmark, takes time and effort. This has the potential to be the largest protected area of boreal shield in North America, but it needs to be done right if it’s going to be successful.
Manitoba is working closely with its partners to ensure a successful nomination, which includes support for local projects, educational opportunities and legal recognition of community land use plans.
Much has been accomplished to date, including legal protection of 8,000 square kilometres of boreal forest in Poplar River First Nation’s traditional territory, as reported recently by the Sun. I encourage interested Manitobans to visit pimachiowinaki.org for further information on the nomination.
The biggest threat to the bid remains Hugh McFadyen and his Progressive Conservative party, who have promised to force the Bipole III transmission line through this unspoiled forest against the wishes of east side residents and contrary to recently completed community land use plans.
David Suzuki slammed McFadyen’s position on a recent trip to Manitoba, saying “we cannot continue to opt for short-term economic gains at the expense of long-term social, ecological and economic benefits that far outweigh them.”
I couldn’t agree more.
BILL BLAIKIE
Minister of Conservation