By Bob Weber (Canadian Press), National Observer, January 5, 2021
The natural regions Canada protects don’t line up that well with where Canadians actually need them, research suggests.
A paper published Tuesday concludes that the country’s vast network of parks isn’t adequately safeguarding areas that provide fresh water and recreation to nearby populations. It also saysover half of the areas Canadians rely on for those benefits are facing mining, energy or forestry pressure.
"We need to start considering those other benefits," said Matthew Mitchell, lead author of the paper in the journal Environmental Research Letters.
The paper looks at which parts of the country are able to provide fresh water, carbon storage and recreational opportunities, and where those benefits are most needed.
A remote watershed in northern British Columbia may filter a lot of water, but it all runs into the ocean. A stream in the Alberta foothills may not hold as much, but it all flows into rivers on which millions depend.
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2021/01/05/news/protected-areas-safeguarding-canadians-parks