National parks are gateways to discovering and connecting with nature. Parks Canada is a recognized leader in conservation and takes action to protect vital habitats, national parks, and species at risk.
Parks Canada recently tabled the management plans for many national parks in the country to the Parliament. These plans are required by the Canada National Parks Act and must be reviewed every ten years, according to a news release.
The plans guide the management of national historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas. The parks included in the plans are Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes, Mount Revelstoke, and Glacier national parks, as well as the Rogers Pass National Historic Site.
“National historic sites, national parks, and national marine conservation areas are places where Canadians and visitors from around the world connect with our history and discover nature every day. They protect our shared natural and cultural heritage, support biodiversity, and tell the stories of Canada from all perspectives. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the management plans for the mountain national parks, which will help shape the future of these treasured places. As the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, I applaud this collaborative effort to ensure that Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes, Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier national parks, and Rogers Pass National Historic Site, continue to protect our shared national heritage and be enjoyed for generations to come,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, minister of environment and climate change and minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Parks Canada coordinated the development of these management plans based on input from Indigenous partners, other partners, stakeholders, locals, as well as visitors past and present.
Each plan identifies several objectives and targets under common priority areas, including ensuring the protection of natural and cultural resources, ecological integrity, and park landscapes for future generations.
It would also provide exceptional opportunities for Canadians to develop a sense of connection to the natural and cultural heritage of these places. Another objective is strengthening Indigenous relations based on a recognition of rights, respect, collaboration, and partnership.
The other objective is to connect Canadians with these dynamic ecosystems and human stories, nature, and history. It also includes managing the development and ensuring ecological integrity is the first priority.
The plans also include contributing to landscape-scale conservation in Canada by being ecologically and socially connected across boundaries. Lastly, its other objective is to contribute to an understanding of climate change and its impacts over time.
Through these management plans, Parks Canada will protect important examples of natural heritage in Canada, engage and collaborate with Indigenous peoples, and provide opportunities for Canadians to experience and discover our environment in new and innovative ways.
The new management plans are available for viewing on the individual national park and national historic site websites.
I stumbled upon something intriguing about the new management plans for the Mountain National Parks sent to Parliament by Parks Canada! Have you heard that these plans are all about boosting conservation efforts and sustainable tourism to safeguard our beloved natural spots for generations to come?
I’ve been thinking about how changes in funding may affect the parks’ management plans. Let’s ensure transparency and public involvement for effective conservation efforts.