GATINEAU, QC, June 20,
2024 /CNW/ - Pollinators, such as the Monarch
Butterfly, are vital for producing numerous crops, forming a
cornerstone of our food security, health, and quality of life.
Canada is actively supporting
habitat stewardship and conservation projects to restore ecosystems
and landscapes that Monarchs need to thrive. These efforts provide
a powerful nature-based solution to help halt and reverse
biodiversity loss and combat climate change.
Today, during Pollinator Week, the Honourable
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change,
announced the Government of Canada
is investing up to more than $623,000
in a variety of projects that aim to improve Monarch Butterfly and
pollinator habitats in southern Ontario. This work will help to increase the
quality, quantity, and connectivity of important breeding and
migratory habitats, as well as the availability of native seeds to
support habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Projects include:
- Habitat Restoration to Support Species at Risk Recovery in
Middlesex County: $189,750 for
Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) Middlesex Inc. to
conduct environmental stewardship activities on marginal
agricultural lands, which will create and enhance Monarch habitats
in Middlesex County.
- Project Wingspan: $118,800
for Pollinator Partnership Canada to increase the availability of
native seeds to support habitat restoration projects in the
Carolinian Zone.
- Restoration of Breeding and Migratory Habitat for
Monarchs: up to $258,583 for the
Canadian Wildlife Federation to contribute to the recovery of the
Monarch population through the creation of nectaring, breeding, and
roosting habitats within agricultural and urban landscapes in close
proximity to the southern Great Lakes.
- David Dunlap Observatory Phase 3 Meadow Creation:
$56,000 for the City of Richmond Hill to increase urban
Monarch habitats in Richmond
Hill.
This work directly aligns with several targets under the Global
Biodiversity Framework, including ecosystem restoration and halting
species extinction. It also supports Canada's commitment to the Bonn Challenge,
which is a global effort to promote landscape and ecosystem
restoration activities. By working together to halt biodiversity
loss and prevent the degradation of sensitive ecosystems, we are
securing a better future for all living things.
Quotes
"The Monarch is an iconic species at risk, and as a pollinator,
it also plays an important natural role for human health and
well-being, as well as for biodiversity. Through the Habitat
Stewardship Program and Priority Species at Risk funding, we're
supporting projects and partners in safeguarding and restoring
habitats that are vital for Monarchs and other pollinators. Working
together is key to protecting and restoring wildlife habitats,
advancing our efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, and
promoting species at risk recovery. Together, we can make a
difference."
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of
Environment and Climate Change
"Pollinator Partnership Canada's Project Wingspan supports
Monarch Butterflies by securing the native seeds that grow into
critical habitats for caterpillars and adult butterflies.
Throughout their life cycle, Monarchs face challenges from habitat
loss and climate change, fewer milkweeds, fewer nectar plants, and
more severe weather. Project Wingspan is boosting our supply of
native seeds so that we can all plant for Monarchs. If you plant
it, they will come—and thrive!"
– Dr. Victoria Wojcik, Science
Director, Pollinator Partnership Canada
Quick facts
- The Government of Canada is
committed to working toward halting and reversing nature loss in
Canada by 2030 and achieving a
full recovery for nature by 2050, as well as conserving 30 percent
of land and water in Canada by
2030.
- The Government of Canada
continues to work collaboratively with Canadians, Indigenous
communities, stakeholders, and other governments across
Canada to protect Monarchs under
the Species at Risk Act.
- The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk contributes
to Canada's biodiversity and
conservation goals by protecting and restoring habitats of species
at risk. It supports local actions to steward land, water, animals,
and plants, as well as the implementation of the Species at Risk
Act.
- Pollinator Week is an annual celebration in support of
pollinator health that was initiated, and is managed, by Pollinator
Partnership.
- Pollinator Week 2024 is a celebration of the vital role that
pollinators play in our ecosystems, economies, and agriculture.
Under the theme "Vision 2040: Thriving Ecosystems, Economies, and
Agriculture," this year's event urges Canadians to envision a
future where pollinators thrive.
Associated links
- Pollinator Week Canada
- Build a Pollinator Garden
- Building 'Bed & Breakfasts' for Monarchs Along Rural Roads
(and Other Rights-of-Way)
- Canada Pledges to Join the Bonn Challenge for Landscape
Restoration at COP15
- Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy:
Halting and Reversing Biodiversity Loss in Canada
Environment and Climate Change Canada's X (Twitter) page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada