Letters - Pleased with the results

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Published on Monday, October 1, 2018

Submitted

Neepawa Banner & Press

Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased with the findings of a recent Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) report that identifies a greater need for wetlands and other natural infrastructure as a cost-effective way to limit the expensive damage done by floods and extreme weather.

We hope the report -- combined with recent funding announcements for green infrastructure and initiatives that reduce the potential impacts of natural disaster, and the recently-passed Sustainable Watersheds Act – will encourage governments, municipalities and conservation groups to pursue new projects together.

In its report, Combatting Canada’s Rising Flood Costs: Natural infrastructure is an underutilized option, released on Sept. 18, IBC provides a way to assess the total economic value, benefits and potential for natural infrastructure such as wetlands. It concludes that governments and water managers need to consider these natural alternatives, alongside concrete and steel solutions, for managing water on the landscape.

This new assessment tool will allow governments, municipalities and conservation groups to make a business case for preserving and restoring wetlands.

Further, in new funding under the Canada Infrastructure Program, DUC sees an opportunity to partner with Manitoba municipalities and watershed districts.

We already have successful programs in place. As a conservation leader with more than 80 years of experience, DUC is in a strong position to provide natural solutions that address flooding and extreme weather. In fact, we’ve worked with landowners to protect and restore wetlands for decades, and we’re constantly seeking new partners to continue that work.

Not only do wetlands slow the flow of water and help prevent flooding, they filter nutrients and provide clean water, supply wildlife habitat, and store climate-changing carbon.

Wetlands continue to be lost, but we hope the report, recent funding announcements, and the new act will foster the culture of conservation that continues to grow in Manitoba.

Rick Andrews

Manager of Provincial Operations

Ducks Unlimited