The Kativik Regional Government (KRG) is proud to launch the Nunavik Protected Areas information and consultation process, an important biodiversity and cultural heritage conservation initiative in Nunavik. A dedicated website is now available at www.nunavikprotectedareas.com, in addition to the Facebook page @Nunavik.Protected.Areas.
Since 2020, nearly 29,800 km2 of Nunavik’s territory has been added to the Registre des aires protégées (Register of protected areas) in Quebec to reach the 20% protection target for Nunavik. Before these areas gain permanent and official protection status, the KRG, in partnership with the advisory committee to the Nunavik Protected Areas Working Group, is calling on all Nunavik communities and Nations to get involved in the Nunavik Protected Areas process.
Nunavik Inuit, the Naskapi of Kawawachikamach, and the Cree of Whapmagoostui are invited to learn about and express their views on the process that led to the current definition of the protected areas network in Nunavik, its relevance, and its representativeness. Consultations in all the communities concerned will take place in the coming months, starting with the following 5 communities:
- Kuujjuaq: November 1–4
- Aupaluk: November 7
- Kangirsuk: November 9–10
- Tasiujaq: November 14
- Kangiqsualujjuaq: November 17–18
Dates for the tour, which will continue through the winter and spring of 2023, will be available later this fall.
This extensive and vital process to protect Nunavik’s natural and cultural heritage is intended to be highly participatory and inclusive. Ultimately, community aspirations for the future of each protected area will be examined, along with ways to ensure the development and vitality of the network.