Press Release
April 30, 2004
Conservation Group Pleased that World Heritage List Released - Expresses Disappointment that Unique BC Sponge Reefs Omitted
VANCOUVER – The BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society was pleased that Environment Minister David Anderson today released the names of the 11 sites from across Canada that will be submitted for inclusion on the list of World Heritage Sites.
"We are pleased to see that Gwaii Haanas made it onto Canada's list of sites for nomination to the World Heritage committee," said Sabine Jessen, Conservation Director for the BC Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
"Gwaii Haanas includes both terrestrial and marine areas of incredible importance to Canadians for their natural values and beauty, as well as important cultural values for the Haida Nation, all of which deserve the international recognition that World Heritage status affords," said Jessen.
"However, we must express our disappointment that two other BC sites nominated by CPAWS did not make it on the list - the globally unique Hecate Strait sponge reefs, lying in the waters off the British Columbia coast, and the Muskwa Kechika Management Area," said Jessen.
"We expect that the lack of long term protection, a key requirement for inclusion on the list of World Heritage Sites, was the reason that the sponge reefs did not make it on the list, despite the fact that these sponge reefs exist nowhere else in the world."
"It is high time that Fisheries and Oceans Canada moved to designate the sponge reefs as Marine Protected Areas under the Oceans Act in order to ensure their long term protection," said Jessen.
"Unfortunately, it will now be at least 10 years before the sponge reefs can again be considered for inclusion on Canada's list of nominated sites. This is especially disappointing in light of the global significance and uniqueness of these reefs."
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Contact:
Sabine Jessen
Conservation Director
CPAWS-BC
Cell: 604-657-2813
Office 604-685-7445
CPAWS - British Columbia Chapter