Resources

Selinger Vows to Protect East Side Boreal Forests

Image
October 7, 2009

Premier candidate Greg Selinger has announced his commitment to work with communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg to protect the region’s boreal forests and establish sustainable economic opportunities. 

“It is a responsibility for all of us to protect the boreal forest and get it established as a UNESCO world heritage site,” Selinger said. “We will work with communities on the east side of Lake Winnipeg to build a plan to protect the forest while providing sustainable economic opportunities for the people who live there.” 

“We believe the boreal forest on the east side is a world-wide treasure equal to the Great Barrier Reef, the Galapagos Island, Serengeti National Park and Yellowstone National Park, all of which are already UNESCO world heritage sites,” Selinger added. 

A World Heritage Site, that includes eco and cultural tourism, would provide “both strong environmental ethics and future economic prosperity for the people in the area,” Selinger said. “There’s some tremendously strong communities over there. Coming together can make a strong case why their culture, history, and traditions should be recognized with a World Heritage designation.” 

According to CBC news, Selinger’s tourism plan includes an interpretive centre at the Hollow Water First Nation, as well as training programs for careers in the eco-tourism industry.

Help Keep Manitoba Wild

 

CPAWS Manitoba has helped establish 23 parks and protected areas thanks to people like you.

With your help, we can protect half our lands and waters for future generations of people and wildlife.

TAKE ACTION!