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New partnership supports conservation of boreal wetlands 
Suncor Energy Foundation invests $1.5 million in Ducks Unlimited Canada
Summary—An investment of $1.5 million from the Suncor Energy Foundation in Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) will be a significant boost to conservation efforts in the western boreal forest.
Edmonton, Alta., April 18, 2008—An investment of $1.5 million from the Suncor Energy Foundation in Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) will be a significant boost to conservation efforts in the western boreal forest.
This new commitment will establish a five-year partnership through DUC’s Western Boreal Program (WBP) to enhance best management practices for oil and gas operations that protect and maintain wetland and watershed health. The group’s work will include gathering and sharing examples of best practice in the oil and gas industry, coordinating research into watershed function and helping to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands. DUC is a leader in boreal wetlands conservation, and its research and knowledge of the western boreal forest will be integral in the success of this partnership.
“This is a good example of collaboration to find sustainable development solutions that enable us meet our habitat goals and the needs of waterfowl,” said Eric Butterworth, Manager, Territorial and Boreal Operations for the WBP. “It’s a partnership that recognizes the need for wetlands and its importance to all Canadians.”
Wetlands act as natural water filters, reduce the effects of floods and droughts, offer recreational opportunities, and provide homes for waterfowl and other wildlife. Wetlands are also important in sequestering carbon to help mitigate greenhouse gases. With wetland loss continuing at an alarming rate, much of DUC’s work involves finding unique ways of engaging landowners, industry, government and the public to conserve wetlands.
“Suncor recognizes water is a precious resource that must be managed wisely,” said Gord Lambert, Suncor’s vice president, Sustainable Development. “We want to be part of the solution to ensure the health of our wetlands and the surrounding boreal landscape. Partnering with DUC was a natural choice because of their work and experience in conserving Canada’s wetlands.”
Canada’s boreal forest stretches from B.C. to Quebec and into the Northwest Territories and the Yukon and represents approximately 58 per cent of Canada’s land mass. Thirty per cent of the western boreal forest is covered by wetlands, consisting of bogs, fens, marshes, an estimated 1.5 million lakes, and some of the country’s largest river systems, including the Athabasca, Peace, Slave and Mackenzie system.
Ducks Unlimited Canada is a national, private, non-profit organization which has been committed to wetland conservation for 70 years.
The Suncor Energy Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable foundation established by Suncor to receive Suncor’s contributions and support registered Canadian charitable organizations. Its funding priorities are educational, environmental and community-based initiatives that are aligned with Suncor’s key operating communities.
Suncor Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Suncor’s common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges.
For more information, contact:
Anh Hoang, a_hoang@ducks.ca
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
(780)297-9070
Darcie Park, dspark@suncor.com
Manager, Corporate Communications
Suncor Energy
(403) 205-7959
