GO GREEN FUNDING ALLOCATED TO BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing Go Green funding for the development of a landscape connectivity model and securement and management of conservation land. Project partners, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), and Environmental Systems Assessment Canada, will receive $2.25 million for the project. NCC and SWF will also provide matching funding to secure and manage an estimated 3,200 hectares of new conservation lands.

"Habitat fragmentation of natural landscapes into small and isolated patches is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity in Saskatchewan and world-wide," Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. "This project will help conservation organizations, both government and non-government, to secure and establish movement corridors for wildlife and re-connect isolated patches of land."

The analysis of landscape connectivity for securement of new conservation lands has rarely been undertaken, and represents an entirely new approach to on-the-ground conservation. The landscape connectivity model will be the property of the Government of Saskatchewan, and when completed, can be made available to organizations in Saskatchewan or elsewhere in the world.

The project is expected to take two years, and provides an excellent opportunity for the three partners to make a direct impact on biodiversity right here in Saskatchewan.

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $70 million to the Go Green Fund for research and demonstration projects and incentive programs, which achieve real environmental outcomes.

To learn more about the Go Green Fund and what you can do to help Saskatchewan Go Green, visit our website at www.environment.gov.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Michelle McEachern
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0412