Nunavut’s „blue conservation economy” is an example

Ottawa, Sept. 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nunavut is home to Canada’s fastest-growing economy, largely due to natural resource extraction, accounting for close to forty percent of the region’s gross domestic product. Two new reports – written by the Smart Prosperity Institute (SPI) with support from World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) – show that an alternative economic model that balances development with social and environmental needs is taking shape in Nunavut.

The reports, which focus on conservation economies in Nunavut, show that the region’s growing „blue conservation economy” — an economic model in which coastal areas use marine resources in a sustainable way to create wealth — generates sustainable income for those Inuit communities that are successful. Improving it. „We want to see the lands and resources here protected from industrial development because this area is sacred to us and has everything we need to thrive,” says Jimmy Ulligadalik, manager of the Taloyok Umarulirijikut Association. „These reports give us a tool to continue to advocate for a land-based conservation economy that allows our community to thrive.” .”

More than $1.35 billion in federal funding has been pledged since 2018 to advance tribal-led conservation efforts across the country. This investment presents an unprecedented opportunity for Inuit communities in Nunavut (and other Aboriginal peoples across the country) to use their heritage. Knowledge, values ​​and skills to balance resource extraction with nature conservation. „As Canada aims to conserve thirty percent of its land and water by 2030, investing in Nunavut’s blue conservation economy is a way to boost regional economic growth, increase resilience to climate change and protect biodiversity,” said Michael Twigg, Lands Program Director. In SPI -Utilization, Nature and Agriculture.

„These reports highlight the potential benefits that can come from Nunavut communities realizing their conservation priorities,” says Paul Okalic, WWF-Canada’s Arctic expert. „This approach creates sustainable employment opportunities for the future while allowing Inuit to continue traditional ways of sharing food with their families and communities. We look forward to developing partnerships with community leaders to renew and strengthen Nunavut’s conservation economy and deliver economic growth that reflects Inuit values.”

The company looked at three coastal Inuit protected and protected areas where investments in local blue conservation economies are encouraging community development: Aviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Protected Area, Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Protected Area, and Anguniaqvia Niqiqyuam Marine Protected Area. The reports identify key areas of investment that other coastal Inuit communities can use to chart their own paths to a better future, such as strengthening local food harvesting and production or encouraging local artisans. They strengthen the business case for linking conservation and local economic development. Investing in Nunavut’s blue security economy will help provide jobs, housing and food security, while prioritizing Inuit values, language and culture, serving as a road map to global success.

Read reports, Conservation economies in Nunavut: Aviktuk case studyAnd Inuit-led economic development: An overview of Nunavut’s blue conservation economyand supporting documents.

The Smart Prosperity Company National Research Network and Policy Think Tank at the University of Ottawa. We deliver world-class research and work with public and private partners to develop practical policies and market solutions for a stronger, cleaner economy.

WWF-Canada Committed to equitable and effective conservation measures that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and combat climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and indigenous guidance to ensure that all our efforts are aligned with the common goal of a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive.

For more information and to arrange an interview contact: Mac Radburn at [email protected].