The Government of Canada Welcomes International Delegates to BirdLife International World Congress in the Nation's Capital

OTTAWA, June 19, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada attended the BirdLife International World Congress at the Ottawa Convention Centre. The World Congress brings together BirdLife International Members from around the globe and is the most important gathering of local conservation leaders with attendees from over 120 countries.

"The Government of Canada, like BirdLife International, relies on partnerships to increase the impacts of its programs and activities in our collective environment," said Minister Kent. "The key to success lies in our ability to inspire and engage as many people and groups as possible. I'm pleased to see that among the top issues at this year's Congress are local empowerment, promoting nature's values and developing a capacity for conservation - all values shared by our government."

The World Congress will provide solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Working with communities and governments, and across sectors and country borders, BirdLife Partners will demonstrate that it is possible to bring about the necessary changes for a positive future of our environment.

Birding (avitourism) is a key tourism activity globally. Nineteen of Canada's National Parks are hosts to important bird areas, because the biodiversity found in our national parks and national marine conservation areas are truly unique. Visitors from around the world come to these special places to appreciate and enjoy Canada's native biodiversity.

Parks Canada's network of national parks and national marine conservation areas protects and presents the country's exceptional biodiversity. Our conservation approach recognizes the importance of achieving conservation success through actions that maintain or restore natural, cultural, and associated values of protected areas while simultaneously facilitating meaningful visitor experiences and providing learning opportunities.

SOURCE: Parks Canada