FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

TRADITIONAL LANDS OF WABANAKI PEOPLES/FREDERICTON, NB - The Nature Trust of New Brunswick welcomes the Province’s updated Climate Action Plan and its particular emphasis on nature-based solutions. The Plan outlines five new nature-based initiatives with timelines over the next five years, including protecting and restoring more forests and wetlands as critical ecosystems in the fight to ensure that New Brunswickers and nature remain resilient in the face of climate changes and impacts.

Protected forests and wetlands create a space for floodwaters to disperse and be absorbed; they stabilize soil and snow to limit runoff speeds and erosion; improve water quality, and filter pollution. They are also crucial wildlife refuges. The Plan commits to a renewed biodiversity strategy which will be fundamental in continuing the progress on protecting and increasing critical habitat for Canada warbler (Cardellina canadensis), wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis), and many more species at risk.

Even with recent announcements of almost 100,000 hectares of new conserved areas on Crown land, and more anticipated, New Brunswick remains near the bottom of the list of provinces in Canada with respect to its conservation rates. The Province currently protects 6% of land and water and has a target of 10% by spring 2023. We applaud the commitment to set a new and higher target by 2024, laying the next bricks in the pathway toward Canada’s commitment to reach 30% by 2030, joining other international jurisdictions in climate action.

The Plan does fall short of actions that support the benefits of Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. The Wolastoqiyik, Mi’gmaq and Peskotomuhkati Nations have been stewarding the lands and waters since time immemorial, which is why it is critical that we continue to learn, share, and work together toward reconciliation through conservation. We remain hopeful that the working group committed by the Plan can lead to more successful conservation outcomes that are Indigenous-supported and led.

The Plan has committed to reporting publicly annually, which is a welcomed act of increased transparency. In 2020, almost 2000 submissions and comments were made by New Brunswickers and organizations in the first-ever public nominations process for new Crown conserved areas. Province-wide polling by conservation organizations continually shows a growing expectation for nature protection, particularly of the woods and waters.  

Climate change is already affecting the health and well-being of New Brunswickers and threatening the survival of many plants and animals we love. We must move from planning to meaningful actions that invest in initiatives to grow the public, private, and Indigenous land conservation and stewardship opportunities.

-30-

ABOUT THE NATURE TRUST OF NEW BRUNSWICK:

Established in 1987, the Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a charitable land conservation organization dedicated to preserving the province’s ecologically significant landscapes. To date, the Nature Trust has conserved over 11,000 acres in more than 70 beautiful and diverse nature preserves in New Brunswick.

MEDIA CONTACT:

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