WWF creates interactive map of Lancaster Sound in push for area's protection
I would like to make sure it's well protected from oil companies, Inuk hunter from Pond Inlet
A new interactive map launched by WWFCanada makes it possible to explore thewildlife, nature and people of Lancaster Sound in Canada's High Arctic as part of a campaign to call for protection of the area.
Lancaster Sound is being considered for protection as a National Marine Conservation Area under the federal government's recent commitment to protect fiveper cent of marine areas by 2017.
"The goal really is to be able to bring to people who do not have the privilege of living on Lancaster Sound a sense of the magnificence of the place of how rich it is," said Paul Crowley, the director ofWWFCanada'sArctic Program.
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One unique feature of themap is that it not only highlights the nature and wildlife of Lancaster Sound, but also the people who live there.
"Inuit are fully integrated into the ecosystem, so for us looking at the ecosystem means looking at the people as well," said Crowley, who hopesthe map willalso call attention to the importance of Lancaster Sound for the rest of Canada.
Birds, bears, narwhals and beluga
Koonoo said he's hopeful that Lancaster Soundis designated as marine protected area to guard it against any damage caused by oil and gas exploration.
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Koonoo said the area is often misunderstood by outsiders.
"It looks like all ice but on the Baffin Island side it's quite beautiful," he said."There's birds that nest up there and a lot of polar bears and during the spring there's a lot of narwhals and beluga."
The interactive map is available in English, French and Inuktitut, and allows users to watch exclusive footageand read stories about the region.