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Partnering to Protect Caribou

Partnering to Protect Caribou is a collaboration of governments, Indigenous Nations, conservation organizations and stakeholders working in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to advance woodland caribou recovery, identify candidate protected areas, and help conserve other species in the boreal forest.

Why Caribou?

Woodland caribou are a strong indicator species for the health of the broader boreal ecosystem: they’re sensitive to disturbance, and thrive in intact forest. Here they can find enough food and spread out to avoid predators.

The number of caribou in Canadian forests is expected to fall more than 30 percent by 2033. Just 14 of Canada’s 51 boreal caribou herds are self-sustaining, a federal analysis found.

British Columbia and Alberta are spending millions trying to stem the loss of caribou herds using maternity pens and habitat restoration approaches that have yet to be proven effective.

If Manitoba and Saskatchewan act now, we can save more caribou at a far lower economic and social cost.

The work we do to protect caribou will also preserve our boreal and the many species—including humans—which rely upon this vast forest for clean air, clean water and a place to live.

Conserving and managing the large swaths of intact boreal forests that caribou need to survive will help slow the effects of climate change and preserve a cherished way of life for local residents, including Indigenous Nations.

Working together we can protect our lands, our animals and the treasured lifestyles, cultures and sustainable economies which depend upon a healthy boreal forest.

Why We Are Doing This Now

Unlike many other places in the world, Manitoba and Saskatchewan still have the chance to secure a healthy future for our lands and wildlife.

If we act now, we can achieve a balance of conservation and sustainable development before it’s too late.

The federal government is supporting the participation of communities and stakeholders in accelerating the development of provincial caribou management plans.

Working together, we can ensure management plans are effective for caribou and other boreal wildlife and meet the needs of Indigenous Nations, local residents and regional economies.

OUR GOALS:

  • Conserve boreal caribou
  • Conserve other imperiled species
  • Help Canada achieve its goal of protecting 17% of our land and fresh waters
  • Honour and respect First Nations and local communities
  • Incorporate best science & traditional knowledge
  • Protect jobs

Learn More About Partnering to Protect Caribou

woodland caribou ranges in the project area

Our Partners

At this early stage of the project we are focused on the Pasquia Bog/The Bog caribou population. We are actively building a coalition of project members, partners and supporters.
Here is our current list:
  • Government of Canada
  • Government of Manitoba
  • Government of Saskatchewan
  • Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Manitoba and Saskatchewan chapters
  • Ducks Unlimited Canada
  • Chemawawin Cree Nation
  • Sapotaweyak Cree Nation
  • Opaskwayak Cree Nation
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 Partnering to Protect Caribou  © 2019