News Release

New Report Shows Protected Areas Make Economic Sense

February 6, 2001 – Whitehorse, Yukon – Compelling evidence for the economic value of completing a protected areas network in western Canada’s north is contained in a new report released today by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Yukon Chapter. Entitled Economic Benefits of Protected Areas: The Case for Completion of a Protected Areas Network in Northwestern Canada, the report focuses on tangible, market-based economic benefits associated with protected areas.

“Protected areas have intrinsic and ecological value but the evidence clearly shows that they also make economic sense,” said Juri Peepre, Executive Director of CPAWS-Yukon and co-author of the report. “The report shows that communities in Canada’s north are well positioned to take advantage of economic trends that are placing increased value on regions with a healthy environment.”

“Protected areas provide opportunities for people to find meaningful employment and still live in their community,” Peepre added.

The Economics Benefits of Protected Areas report is a primer on the various economic values of a completed protected areas network. It will be a useful tool for all northerners who would like to engage in meaningful discussion on this important issue.

The report provides eleven recommendations, including:

• Build and diversify the Yukon’s economy by completing and investing in a network of protected areas in the Yukon; use the Yukon Protected Areas Strategy, First Nations Final Agreements, and the provisions of the National Parks Act, Yukon Wildlife Act and Yukon Environment Act.

  and

• Reduce the economic uncertainty for resource industries, and increase certainty for tourism operators, by completing the protected areas network within 6 years; continue to support the completion of land use plans.

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