Government of Canada announces $2.7 million funding for DUC-led research

Project brings together partners from throughout Canada to explore the potential of wetlands and agricultural lands to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Summary—The Government of Canada is investing $2.7 million in research to explore the potential of prairie wetlands and agricultural lands to act as carbon sinks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping Canada honour climate change commitments, while also conserving wetland and riparian areas. The research is being led by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) with support and involvement of a number of private and public agencies and partners throughout Canada.

OTTAWA, November 21, 2005—The Government of Canada is investing $2.7 million in research to explore the potential of prairie wetlands and agricultural lands to act as carbon sinks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The funding was announced by the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Environment, the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable John McCallum, Acting Minister, Natural Resources.

The research is being led by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) with support and involvement of a number of private and public agencies and partners throughout Canada.

“This project demonstrates inter-departmental cooperation and the combined benefit of federal support in advancing this cutting edge research, and our shared commitment in addressing climate change right here in Manitoba,” said Minister Alcock.

This project has tremendous potential for governments and the agricultural sector in identifying new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and therefore help Canada honour its Kyoto commitment," said Minister Dion. "Our support for this research is part of Project Green, the Government of Canada’s broad environmental vision that links our economic competitiveness and prosperity to a sustainable future.”

“We’re pleased to support this project because a healthy and vibrant agriculture industry benefits all Canadians,” said Minister Mitchell. “Canadian farmers are already taking action on climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities, and putting measures in place that will help remove harmful greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere.”

“Investing in sustainable development will shape the technologies and world of tomorrow,” said Minister McCallum. “This is an excellent example of how to turn the challenge of climate change into an opportunity for leadership in industry, agriculture and environmentalism.”

The main goal of the research is to identify beneficial management practices that provide the highest potential for carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas emission reduction on the agricultural landscape, in addition to providing environmental benefits in the form of wetland and riparian area conservation.

“Ducks Unlimited Canada is extremely pleased with this generous federal support, which will allow our expert scientific team to address the roles of wetlands and agriculture in mitigating climate change and in providing ecological goods and services for the benefit of all Canadians,” said Dr. Rhonda McDougal, Research Scientist and Coordinator for DUC. “This is an example of multi-agency network collaboration at its best.”

The Government of Canada's approach to climate change is focused on making the right choices for Canada. This will ensure that the actions taken contribute to the long-term goals of building a sustainable economy for the 21st century, a healthier environment and strong communities, while affirming Canada's place in the world.

For more information

Brigitte Caron
Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister
Of the Environment
(819) 997-1441

Matt Tolley
Minister Mitchell’s Office
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Ottawa, ON
(613) 759-1059

Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa, ON
(613) 992-4447

Tom Ormsby
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
(613) 996-2007

Duncan Morrison, d_morrison@ducks.ca
Ducks Unlimited Canada
(204) 467-3202