Birds play a critical role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems in communities and on the planet. Today, there are three billion fewer birds in North America than there were 50 years ago. Most of these losses are caused by human activities.
PHOTO: Facebook, Zoo Ecomuseum
As urban sprawl continues, cities also have a responsibility to take action to protect and sustain Canada's bird populations. The Bird Friendly City program encourages communities to take action to:
reduce the number of human-caused threats to birds, such as stray cats, pesticide use, and bird collisions in windows through the use of window treatments in buildings with large windows
create safe environments for birds by promoting stewardship and ensuring that natural habitats are protected and restored
engage and educate citizens on the benefits of Bird Friendly Cities and the celebration of birds in our communities
The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity is ongoing in Montréal from December 7 to 19 for the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) . COP15 is an opportunity for Canada to show leadership in taking action to conserve nature and halt biodiversity loss around the world, in partnership with Indigenous peoples, the original stewards of the land.
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced today at COP15 that 14 new Canadian cities have been certified as a "Bird Friendly City". This certification was developed by Nature Canada to encourage municipalities to become safer places for birds. The program was made possible by a $655,000 investment from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The 14 newly certified cities are:
Barrie, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario
Edmonton, Alberta
Guelph, Ontario
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halton Hills, Ontario
Hamilton, Ontario
Lions Bay, British Columbia
Peterborough, Ontario
Regina, Saskatchewan
Saanich, British Columbia
Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec
Strathcona County, Alberta
Windsor, Ontario
What a great tribute to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue that has such a long and animated history of being ecologically aware and supportive of conservation initiatives, so that our wildlife, including birds, could be safeguarded for the benefit of future generations. We are lucky to have had the Morgan Arboretum and the McGill Bird Observatory on our territory because they have not only educated local people about birds, but also contributed to important scientific research that has benefitted the whole world. I thank Nature Canada for recognizing Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue with this Bird Friendly City certification and supporting our efforts to make the municipality become safer for wild birds.
PHOTO: Facebook, Zoo Ecomuseum
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
