SASKATCHEWAN ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTS THE REDBERRY LAKE BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Released on June 20, 2005

The Government of Saskatchewan supports Saskatchewan's only biosphere reserve, which is one of only 13 in Canada, by providing an annual grant of $60,000 to the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Association to help carry out its programs.

Environment Minister David Forbes and association chair Larry Hawrysh signed a Memorandum of Understanding today in support of the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve.

"This signing demonstrates that Saskatchewan Government supports the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve and the association's commitment to ensuring the ecological resources and native biological diversity of the area are managed for long-term sustainability," Forbes said. "The commitment from the Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Association makes an ideal model for Saskatchewan's Green Strategy."

"As part of an international network of more than 450 UNESCO biosphere reserves, Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve endeavors to identify and test sustainable solutions to the issues facing rural Saskatchewan and Canada," Hawrysh said.

Redberry Lake and its watershed were designated as a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) under its Man and Biosphere Reserve Program in January 2000. Biosphere Reserves are recognized internationally as areas that maintain a balance between ecosystem conservation and sustainable resource use. There are 425 Biosphere Reserves in 95 countries around the world.

Redberry Lake, located in the heart of Saskatchewan's aspen parkland, is an area rich in wildlife and hundreds of species of birds. In 1989, the Redberry Pelican Project Inc. was formed to promote environmentally sound eco-tourism development at Redberry Lake. The site has been a federal migratory bird sanctuary since 1925 and the islands have been wildlife refuges since 1986. The area is long renowned for its nesting colonies of white pelicans and white-winged scoters populations. Redberry Lake is an excellent eco-tourism destination site to view wild animals and plants.

Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve is managed by a not-for-profit corporation, The Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Association Inc., and is governed by a board of directors consisting of elected municipal representatives, community members appointed by municipal councils and elected chairpersons of local committees.

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For More Information, Contact:

Wayne Schick Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-2849

Larry Hawrysh Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Association Hafford Phone: (306) 549-4627