Ducks Unlimited Canada recently kicked off their newest largest conservation campaign in North America’s history: “Rescue our Wetlands”.
“Wetlands clean our water, they are critical habitat for wildlife, they help mitigate climate change, provide flood and drought protection for our communities, and are perfect natural spaces for recreation and learning opportunities,” said Jim Couch, president of Ducks Unlimited Canada.
“The problem is, most Canadians aren’t aware about the host of valuable benefits wetlands provide to society.”
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) expects that “Rescue Our Wetlands” campaign will garner Canadians’ support for wetlands — underappreciated natural resources that are being lost at an alarming rate across the country.
Every day across Canada, more than 80 acres of wetlands are drained and filled in to make way for agriculture, urban sprawl, and industrial development. In Saskatchewan alone, over 10,000 acres are lost each year.
“The loss of this vital habitat has a devastating impact on biodiversity, our economy, and on the health and safety of our communities,” said Jim Couch.
“Rescue Our Wetlands is a campaign that captures the essence of what it means to be a conservationist,” said Jim Couch.
“It’s something completely personal. What it means to a birdwatcher will be different than what it means for a rancher. Vacationers who can no longer swim in their favourite lake or families whose homes have been engulfed by flood waters will all see the value in a campaign like Rescue Our Wetlands.”
According to honorary campaign chair Bob Kozminski, “what makes this campaign unique, and what will make it a continental success like nothing we’ve seen before, is the fact that it will mean something to everyone. Because wetlands benefit every life. It gives us the opportunity to help people realize this – and to take action. There’s no time to wait.”
Led by DUC, Rescue Our Wetlands is a North America-wide campaign with a lofty fundraising goal in Canada. The campaign will deliver habitat conservation and restoration, effective public policy, national education programs and world-leading wetland and waterfowl research. All of these efforts will protect Canada’s environment for the benefit of all.
In Saskatchewan, the “Rescue Our Wetlands” campaign kicked off on October 3 on the shores of Wascana, one of Saskatchewan’s most beautiful man-made wetlands.
