CNF CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS

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A Summary of Resolutions passed at the 1981 CNF Conference in Guelph, Ontario

I INTERNATIONAL WETLANDS CONVENTION Canada has acceded to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, has designated Cap Tourmente under this convention and has many other wet— lands deserving such designation. CNF commends the federal government for accession to the Wetlands Convention and urges designation of other wetlands of international importance.

II ACID PRECIPITATION In August 1980 Canada and the United States signed an agreement binding each country to act to the fullest extent possible to curtail 802 and NOX emissions. CNF urges both countries l)to act under their respective Clean Air Acts to abate offending emissions; 2)to work towards a Transboundary Air Quality agreement; 3)to reduce emissions at existing facilities by washing coal and using less-clean equipment only at peak load times; 4)to work together with citizens; and 5)to provide unrestricted access to emission data.

III ESTUARY CONSERVATION . Estuaries are areas of high biological productivity, providing important habitat for fish, birds and mammals. The many people living close to estuaries cause increasing degradation, a problem hampered by lack of a single jurisdictional responsibility. CNF urges the various Canadian govern- ments to adopt management strategies for estuaries to assure maintenance of habitat, water quality and public involvement.

IV HYDROELECTRICAL DEVELOPMENT _ Lands supporting high historical, wildlife or natural resource values should not have these destroyed through large-scale reservoir development for hydro- electric power. CNF urges the various governments of Canada to adopt policies for proposed hydro developments which would l)not permit projects which would destroy outstanding natural, physical or heritage features; 2) require alternatives for meeting projected power demands to be assessed; 3) provide for full and effective public participation.

V NORTHERN LAND USE PLANNING . . Northern ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to disturbance, many are under increasing pressures from industrial interests, and action has been slow in the designation of proposed parks and reserves for the area. CNF urges the federal and territorial governments to l) carry out ecosystem evaluations of the land and marine environments; 2) immediately accord permanent and inalienable protection to recognized areas of outstanding biological importance; 3) settle native claims and allow participation in the planning process to ensure protection of conservation interests; 4) over— haul laws governing mining and oil and gas exploration, to take into account environmental values.

VI KAMINURIAK AND BEVERLY CARIBOU HERDS These caribou herds of northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories are believed to be declining due to overhunting and disturbance from industrial activities. CNF urges the governments involved and the appropriate native groups to 1) increase research into caribou biology; 2) establish and enforce sustainable limits on the annual take; 3) educate native peoples on wise hunting practices; and 4) reduce industrial activities in areas frequented by caribou.

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