Nature Canada is adding its signature to a birding and guiding memorandum signed by Premier Greg Selinger and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) last October, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick announced today.
The minister made the announcement with Nature Canada at an event highlighting the importance of international co-operation for wildlife protection and promotion. The event also featured the unveiling of a new international birding trail shared by Manitoba and Minnesota.
“Today’s events showcase some of the many ways that Manitoba eagerly promotes environmental stewardship and ecotourism,” said Melnick. “The memorandum of understanding signed with Israeli nature officials last fall provides a framework for co-operation on nature tourism and environmental education. Nature Canada is a key player in national and international conservation, and we are delighted that they are signing on to the memorandum.”
“Partnerships are central to our organization’s work in nature conservation and education,” said Richard Yank, chair, board of directors, Nature Canada. “We are very pleased to participate in this unique collaboration with the Province of Manitoba and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel to promote and secure the protection of our global wildlife populations.”
Nature Canada is the lead organization on wildlife protection in Canada, as is the society in Israel.
As part of the memorandum, Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian nature officials will tour Canada next spring discussing their partnership on birding and protecting habitat, as a path to peace in the Middle East.
Melnick also launched the Manitoba section of a new Pine to Prairie International Birding Trail established between Manitoba and Minnesota. Along with officials from the State of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources and Watchable Wildlife International, the minister unveiled the route map and highway signage for the Manitoba portion of the 800-kilometre trail that features 68 prime wildlife viewing sites between Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park in Manitoba.
“The protection of wildlife truly transcends all borders,” said Melnick. “Our memorandum of understanding with SPNI and Nature Canada, and our partnership with the State of Minnesota, reflect Manitoba’s commitment to working globally as well as locally to ensure the future of our natural resources.”
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