Regional district adds 25 parks to federal conservation network

Canada’s environment minister has commended the Regional District of Central Okanagan for its contribution to nature conservation.

Steven Guilbeault said the district has officially recognized 25 regional parks as part of Canada’s national conservation network. The combined area represents 2,114 hectares, which is now included in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas database.

The minister said science shows that conserving and restoring nature is vital to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, protecting species at risk, and fighting climate change.

“Local greenspaces such as regional and municipal parks provide Canadians with places to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily reality and reconnect with themselves, their loved ones, and with nature,” Guilbeault said. “These areas also play an important role in biodiversity conservation across the country, and I want to commend the Regional District of Central Okanagan for embracing and supporting Canada’s conservation goals”