The whole world “must do more” to protect the environment and nature, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implored on the first day of COP15 on protecting biodiversity. His government will stretch up to $800 million to support four “indigenous peoples-led” conservation projects.
In all, these initiatives will cover nearly one million square kilometers, confirmed Mr. Trudeau during a press conference held in the morning at the Biosphere, on Sainte-Hélène Island.
“There is going to be a conservation project in the Great Bear Marine Area in the west, another in Northern Ontario – the Omushkego Conservation Project – a project in the Qikiqtani region of Nunavut and a final project in the Northwest Territories,” he explained, adding that “every project is unique.”
All of these projects, persisted the Liberal leader, “aim as much to ensure the well-being of communities as to protect nature”. “We know that to create jobs and foster a strong economy, it is absolutely necessary to fight against climate change,” he also noted.
Most conservation areas will involve multiple communities. The Great Bear Marine Area, for example, includes 17 First Nations. The one in the Northwest Territories will be managed in partnership by 30 Aboriginal governments.
Take action, says Trudeau
Mr. Trudeau, who is in Montreal on the sidelines of COP15, which is being held at the Palais des Congrès until December 19, also took the opportunity to call on all states “to take action” in the fight against against the climate crisis.
The whole world must do more to protect nature, but we must do it as well. I hope that the other countries will also mobilize.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Moreover, the Prime Minister said he hoped “that the next two weeks will confirm our collective commitment to take global action”. “We have a lot to do to protect nature. And we have a lot to do to move forward on the path of reconciliation. But today, we show that we do it together, ”he further explained in front of the cameras.
Wednesday’s announcement was made in the presence of Indigenous leaders, including Mushkegowuk Council Grand Chief Alison Linklater. “It is our lands and waters that connect us to our traditional culture, our language. It’s part of who we are. He also brings healing to our people. And without our land and our water, we do not exist,” she said, welcoming like her colleagues the federal government’s announcement.
“Indigenous leaders are environmental leaders, with a unique perspective, knowledge, culture and right that can help inspire and improve the natural balance,” said Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault. also on site.
A few kilometers away, while the sun had not yet risen, a few dozen demonstrators gathered in downtown Montreal on Wednesday to protest against the opening of COP15 on biodiversity. Demonstrations are planned during the day to denounce the “hypocrisy” of the participating states.