Strategy Sustains Environment, Economy

Published by the Department of Natural Resources

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Nova Scotia's natural resources strategy will improve resource management and sustainable practices in the province, while creating good jobs. Our Path to Share, A Natural Resources Strategy for Nova Scotia, 2011–2020, was guided by an independent steering panel.

Quotes

“ The strategy is a balanced approach to natural resources management, inspired by a vision of a sustainable and prosperous future — a vision described to us by Nova Scotians and reflected in jobsHere, the province's economic plan. ” Charlie Parker, Minister of Natural Resources

“ Our steering panel is pleased to see government bring forward a strategy that reflects what we heard from four panels of expertise and input from Nova Scotians. It reflects a commitment to changing the status quo, and the necessary balancing to ensure healthy and sustainable natural resources for future generations. ” Constance Glube, retired Chief Justice and steering panel chair

Quick Facts

  • More than 2,000 Nova Scotians provided input into the strategy, as well as more than 700 written submissions.
  • The strategy will be a guide for improved management of Nova Scotia's biodiversity – the complex mix of all living things – and of forests, geological resources and provincial parks.
  • The province has accepted the steering panel's 26 recommendations and has already begun implementing the strategy.
  • Steering panel members were retired Chief Justice Constance Glube (chair), Joe Marshall and Allan Shaw.
  • A companion document, From Strategy to Action, lays out how the strategy will begin to be implemented over the next 24 months. It includes actions to:
    • improve legislation, including laws that help manage biodiversity, forest regulations, and the Mineral Resources Act
    • provide job training for the forestry sector
    • develop a Code of Practice, a set of principles, guidelines and technical recommendations for the sustainable management of Nova Scotia's forests
    • review and reallocate resources so more species at risk can be recovered
    • conduct research into how to best reclaim land affected by mining operations
    • help publish a Mi'kmaq interpretative plan for provincial parks to increase awareness and understanding of Mi'kmaq heritage and culture
    • carry out a detailed visitor survey to collect information on the park system

Learn More

The province's natural resources strategy and action plan is available at www.novascotia.ca/natr

Media Contacts

Dan Davis
Natural Resources
902-424-2354
Cell: 902-225-2501
E-mail:
Bruce Nunn
Natural Resources
902-424-5239
Cell: 902-476-6454
E-mail:
Gary Andrea
Natural Resources
902-424-8282
Cell: 902-456-6196
E-mail:

Images

A student enrolled in the Natural Resources Environmental Technology program at the Strait Area Campus.
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Public session held during Phase 1 of the strategy.
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Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker holds up part of the strategy as Julie Towers, executive director of renewable resources looks on during a news conference.
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Julie Towers, executive director of renewable resources with the Department of Natural Resources explains the strategy.
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Patricia MacNeil, executive director of policy and planning with the Department of Natural Resources, explains part of the strategy at a technical briefing.
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Running track on reclaimed land at the Pioneer Coal mine.
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A flock of Canada Geese take off from a manmade wetland on reclaimed land at the Pioneer Coal mine.
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Logs are floated in the water in the Barney's River area near Antigonish.
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Cut logs are stacked in the Barney's River area near Antigonish.
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Videos

Minister Parker Announcemen
Minister Charlie Parker talks about Nova Scotia's first Natural Resources strategy.
Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker talks about the opportunities the strategy presents.
Steering group chair Constance Glube says the strategy recognizes Nova Scotians's values.

Audio

Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker says the strategy will ensure resources are used to maintain good jobs and a healthy environment.
Mr. Parker says it was developed after hearing from Nova Scotians.
Retired Chief Justice and steering panel chair Constance Glube says the strategy is a new phase for the province.