PLAN TO PROTECT RENEWABLE RESOURCES

The Province is developing an action plan to guide the biodiversity

conservation efforts of the provincial government over the next five years.



Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is defined as the variety of life on

earth and the interdependence among all species.



"Conserving biodiversity will protect the renewable resources upon which much

of the provincial economy, including agriculture, forestry and fishing, is

based," Environment and Resource Management (SERM) Minister Buckley Belanger

said. "To conserve biodiversity we need to work with Aboriginal peoples,

industry, farmers, ranchers, the public and other levels of government

recognize our roles and responsibilities and achieve balance between

environmental and economic agendas."



A steering committee, comprised of representatives from across government, is

co-ordinating this planning initiative. A discussion paper, Conserving

Saskatchewan's Natural Environment: Framework for a Saskatchewan Biodiversity

Action Plan, and a response questionnaire are now available to the public to

comment on the development of the action plan.



"Increasing environmental challenges requires a partnership approach to develop

public, individual and corporate solutions," Belanger said. "I invite your

comments on the vision, principles and objectives as listed in this document

and your recommendations for proposed actions and I look forward to the

development and completion of this important initiative."



Maintaining biodiversity ensures future opportunities are preserved for

economic goods and services including agricultural and forest products,

pharmaceuticals and the enjoyment of nature. Biodiversity also plays an

important role in the biological control of pests, pollination, grazing,

removal and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide and flood control.



The discussion paper and questionnaire are available from SERM at (306) 787-

9038, toll-free at 1-800-567-4224 or SERM's web site

at:www.serm.gov.sk.ca/ecosystem/biodiversity. To ensure consideration, public

comments are requested by October 31, 2000.



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For more information, contact:



Lin Gallagher, Co-Chair

Interagency Steering Committee

Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

Regina

Phone: (306) 787- 2327