The Agguttinni Territorial Park is being established north of Clyde River in Nunavut with support from the Government of Canada and Government of Nunavut.
The announcement was made by Canada’s minister of environment and climate change, Catherine McKenna, and Nunavut’s premier and minister of environment, Joe Savikataaq.
“The Agguttinni project, north of Clyde River, will be the largest park under the jurisdiction of the Government of Nunavut and a positive future development for our people, our communities, and our land,” said Joe Savikataaq, Nunavut’s premier and minister of environment. “In collaboration with our parks’ joint-planning-and-management partners, the establishment of Agguttinni Territorial Park will support the protection and celebration of Nunavut’s rich natural beauty as well as the development of tourism infrastructure. The Government of Nunavut is pleased to have the support of the Canada Nature Fund for this important initiative.”
This joint Government of Nunavut-Inuit initiative will create a park that includes a quarter of the Barnes Ice Cap, a significant source of fresh water for Baffin Island, numerous cultural sites of importance for Inuit, important bird areas, and key habitat for polar bears and caribou.
The creation of the Agguttinni Territorial Park is the result of a collaborative partnership between the people of Clyde River and the Government of Nunavut. For many years, Clyde River and the Government of Nunavut have invested time and resources in protecting this special area. The funding provided through the Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge is the catalyst to finalize and create the territorial park.
“Nature is one of Canada’s most precious resources,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada’s minister of environment and climate change. “The conservation projects in Nunavut are significant steps toward doubling the amount of nature we are protecting in Canada’s lands and oceans. By working with Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, and other partners across the country to protect nature, we can support vibrant communities and address the impacts of climate change—ensuring our kids and grandkids can also experience the incredible natural landscapes and wilderness we cherish today.”
The Government of Canada is providing $4.7 million to support the Government of Nunavut toward the establishment of this incredible project. The federal funding comes from the Canada Nature Fund, which is part of the single-largest investment in nature in Canadian history.
