Canada’s Environment Minister Delivers National Statement at United Nations Biological Diversity Conference

Nagoya, Japan — October 27, 2010 — TheHonourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, today delivered Canada’s national statement to delegates at the United Nations Biological Diversity Conference. The 10th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP10) has brought nations together to work on developing a protocol that will address the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.”Canada has a long history of support for the Convention on Biological Diversity. We are also the proud host of the Secretariat of the Convention, a role we have enjoyed for more than 15 years. This 10th meeting of the Parties provides an opportunity to reinforce our global commitment to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity,” said Minister Prentice. “Canada supports a strategic plan for the future that is ambitious and realistic. We are committed to working with international partners to protect the world’s natural legacy and to support the sharing of the benefits arising from its utilization.”

In his statement, Minister Prentice stressed that Canada made substantial investments to halt biodiversity loss, protecting more than 100 million hectares of land, nearly 10% of Canada’s land mass, 3 million hectares of ocean, and 470 species at risk, including securing and restoring habitat.

He mentioned that we have one of the best national park systems in the world and have grown it by 30% in 4 years. He stated that our commitment to conservation goes beyond Canadian borders, with a $40 million contribution to the World Bank to address deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, as part of our $400 million contribution this year in fast-start financing under the Copenhagen Accord.

Minister Prentice went on to state that governments cannot act alone to meet biodiversity targets. “Businesses, cities, aboriginal peoples and civil society are all partners and make important contributions as we look to the future and all work together to make a difference”.

For more information, please contact:

Pascale Boulay
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
1-888-908-8008