La Grande Alliance is proud to announce today that the objective of protecting 20% of the territory in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James by the end of 2020 will be surpassed, reaching 23%. The partnership between the Government of Quebec and the Cree Nation Government has resulted in the designation of 23 new territories reserved for the purposes of a protected area (TRPPA), in line with La Grande Alliance’s objective to protect the territory while providing predictability and clear guides to economic and social development in the region.
This is a historic announcement, as the total area of TRPPA of 39,000 km2 is the largest portion of protected territory ever announced in Quebec. You will find more information in the press release here: https://www.cngov.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/comm_grandealliance_2020-12_17-gr_rv-2020-12-16_ang.pdf
“Today’s announcement is the result of many years of regular community engagements with land users and tallymen who guided this important announcement with their expertise. It is a way of creating a vision for the future where the Cree and the Jamesian communities feel valued and encouraged to contribute to the future of Eeyou Istchee.”
– Dr. Abel Bosum, Grand Chief, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)
“This unique approach that we are highlighting today allows for the conservation of outstanding natural environments and the preservation of its cultural values. It stems from a unique Nation-to-Nation partnership under La Grande Alliance. I would like to thank all our partners who have facilitated this positive outcome.”
– Mr. Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change