Conserving Wetlands to Help Fight Climate Change

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry

Protecting Diverse Habitats Across Ontario

Toronto, ON – July 20, 2017

Ontario is strengthening the protection and increasing the rate of wetland recovery across the province.

Wetlands are an essential component of Ontario’s biodiversity and are vital in mitigating the impacts of climate change by lowering the risk of flooding and drought, preventing erosion and moderating climate extremes. These diverse and productive habitats have many economic and health benefits, including improving water quality and offering excellent recreation and tourism destinations.

Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Kathryn McGarry met with wetland conservation partners today to speak about Ontario’s Wetland Conservation Strategy.

Ontario is also working with Ducks Unlimited Canada in a new partnership. This partnership will see Ducks Unlimited Canada chair a new committee comprised of environmental groups, industry, conservation authorities and indigenous representatives. As part of this partnership Ducks Unlimited Canada will also rehabilitate and improve wetland systems throughout southern Ontario, including important coastal wetlands.

Conserving Ontario’s wetlands and fighting climate change is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.