Nunavut Wildlife Management Board calls for full caribou protection

The Nunavut Wildlife Management Board (NWMB) has released a statement calling for full area protection for caribou calving and post-calving grounds in the territory.

"Full area protection includes the prohibition of industrial activities, including mineral, oil and gas exploration and development, construction of transportation infrastructure and related activities," states the NWMB media release.

The NWMBis a public institution established in accordance with the territory's land claims agreement. It acts as the main tool for wildlife management in the territory, and its board includes members appointed by regional Inuit associations, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and the federal and territorial governments.

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The statement follows a recent position change from the Government of Nunavutthatcouldopenthe door for development on caribou calving grounds.

In the statement, the NWMBaffirms that "it is not against responsible industrial development.

"Howeverthe Board is of the view that there must be appropriate balance between development and protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat."

The NWMB initially took theposition in its May 2014 submission to the Nunavut Planning Commissionon the draft Nunavut Land Use Plan.

The Board ismandated under Article 5 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to secure the conservation of wildlife.