May 25, 2023 St. John’s, NL – We are delighted to hear the recent announcement from the provincial government, that 10 proposed protected areas will proceed to public consultation.   

The proposed Protected Areas plan, A Home for Nature, was finally released during Spring 2020 for public consultation. The plan, which was initially devised several decades ago, is based on science and guidance for over 25 years. “The priority sites identified by WERAC in this recent announcement represent some unspoiled areas or low impacted sites, critical habitat for various species of plants and wildlife, unique features and as well as representation of various eco-regions that may be unique”, stated Tanya Edwards, Executive Director, CPAWS NL. “We have been waiting for an announcement such as this for such a long time and we applaud the provincial government as they take this step forward to help protect biodiversity loss and maintaining these valuable natural areas and unique species.”  

A recent poll commissioned by CPAWS Newfoundland and Labrador, in Spring of 2023, within the province, further supports today’s announcement by highlighting what we already know: The majority of Newfoundland and Labrador residents feel the current amount of land in the province being protected is “not enough”.  

The poll conducted shows that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians support parks and protected areas with 85% agreeing that these areas contribute to the economy and tourism, and 76% agreeing that a planned system of parks and reserves is the best way to conserve natural areas.  

Parks and protected areas are important to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over 80% of respondents indicated parks and recreation are important to their quality of life. While almost 90% feel it is important that areas are set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitat.    

“It’s not surprising that residents love the great outdoors and want to keep it as pristine as possible for its health and recreational activities”, states Suzanne Dooley, Conservation Director CPAWS NL, “ We are encouraged that the province and the members of WERAC will be seeking feedback from the public, indigenous groups and organizations, municipalities and stakeholders to determine support and what the protected areas will look like.”  

The results of this poll are timely to this recent announcement in Newfoundland and Labrador and further demonstrate that the provincial government and the public are both aware of the same reality. With the climate and biodiversity crisis the planet is currently facing we have to be ambitious in our actions. 

CPAWS NL has been long term advocate for new protected areas and we hope that the province will fulfill their commitment to advance these sites plus others in a timely manner with feedback from the public.   

POLL HIGHLIGHTS

• A majority (55%) of Newfoundland and Labrador residents feel the current amount of land in the province being protected is ‘not enough’. Four percent consider the current amount of land being protected is ‘too much’.
• Almost 7 in 10 respondents support Newfoundland and Labrador committing to a target of 30% of its land being set aside for conservation purposes by 2030.
• Across the province, residents feel strongly that when choices must be made between the environment and commercial or recreational use, protection of the environment must come first. There is recognition that a resource-based economy must protect the resources for sustained economic growth. 80% of the province agree that determining land uses must be based upon maintaining the quality of the environment for future generations.
• There is a great deal of concern for the economic future of the province among respondents, with 89% being at least somewhat concerned, and almost half (46%) being extremely concerned. Closely related to the economic future is concern for the health of marine areas (83%), and the economic future of the marine industry (83%).
• A minority of provincial residents (21%) feel the economy should come before protection of wildlife habitat, a view that is rejected by 60% of respondents.
• Nine in 10 respondents (89%) agree that protection of wilderness and marine areas is needed. 82% feel action must be taken to prevent loss of biodiversity in marine areas in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Most respondents indicated they are somewhat aware of the biodiversity crisis. Younger respondents are most aware of the biodiversity crisis. 
• Eighty-four percent of respondents do not know what Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas are.
• Parks and protected areas are important to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over 80% of respondents indicated parks and recreation is important to their quality of life. Almost 90% feel it is important that areas are set aside for the protection of wildlife and their habitat.
• There is strong support for parks and protected areas, with 85% agreeing that these areas contribute to the economy and tourism, and 76% agreeing that a planned system of parks and reserves is the best way to conserve natural areas.

-30-