World Conservation Congress Applauded for Stance on British Columbia Issues
10/24/96
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/* Written 8:55 PM Oct 24, 1996 by nobody@xs2.greenpeace.org in igc:gp.press
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Subject: Greenpeace Applauds World Conservation Congress
Date: Thu, 24 OCT 96 16:36:41 GMT
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Original-TO: World Press (Green2:Green2:Gnl:INET)
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GREENPEACE APPLAUDS WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS FOR MAJOR MOVES ON BC ISSUES
Strong Resolutions on Aquaculture and Clayoquot Sound Both Endorsed
VANCOUVER, October 23, 1996 (GP) -- Greenpeace applauded the passage of two
strongly worded World Conservation Congress resolutions that address
biodiversity concerns in British Columbia.
At the final session of the World Conservation Congress in Montreal, delegates
representing governments and environmental organizations from all over the
world, expressed serious concern about the ecological danger of fish farming.
The resolution calls on nations to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems and
wetlands, defend the interest of coast fishers and limit the spread of diseases
in farmed fish. Of specific importance to environmentalists concerned about the
use of non-native Atlantic salmon in BC fish farms, the Congress endorsed
wording which "recognizes the grave dangers posed by the introduction of non-
native species" and urges all states to "ensure that ecological damage resulting
from the introduction of non-native species is prevented."
"We're delighted that the global community has sent such a clear signal to
governments such as Glen Clark's, who are in charge of regulating the
aquaculture industry," said Greenpeace Fisheries campaigner Catherine Stewart
who attended the Congress meetings in Montreal. "Greenpeace will now work
to ensure the BC provincial government applies the resolution's principles when
it makes its final decisions about aquaculture policy next year."
The Congress also endorsed a resolution calling for Clayoquot Sound to be
designated as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. The designation
will rank Clayoquot Sound as one of the world's most important biological
legacies. It will hopefully lead to protection of the area's pristine
rainforests and encourage a sustainable local economy. In preparation for the
official application to the United Nations, negotiations are currently
commencing between all major stakeholders in Clayoquot Sound: provincial and
federal governments, First Nations, environmentalists, MacMillan Bloedel and
others. The participants are working on the development of a land use proposal
that will be submitted to the United Nations in March of 1997.
"We're very hopeful and excited that this process will bring about the long
awaited solution to the ongoing controversy over Clayoquot's fragile
rainforests," said Karen Mahon,
For further information:
Karen Mahon, Greenpeace Forest Campaign: 604-253-7701 (o)
604-879-2167
Mary MacNutt, Media Coordinator: 416-597-8408