Nunavik’s geographic location and geological history have produced stunning landscapes with many natural environments deserving of protection for their outstanding characteristics. Climate change and development projects however are exerting pressure on the recovery capacities of plants and wildlife. Specific areas have been identified and reserved for parks and protected areas by the Government of Québec. Consultations and collaboration with communities are serving to ensure that park and protected area projects contribute to the continued practice of subsistence activities by Inuit, Cree and Naskapi. Together, the Kativik Regional Government through Nunavik Parks, the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (the environment and the fight against climate change) and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs (forests, wildlife and parks) are responsible for the management of parks and protected areas, their protection and development activities.

The KEAC feels that Inuit and Naskapi involvement in biodiversity issues as well as greater use of related Indigenous traditional knowledge would improve understanding of the region’s biodiversity. In addition, the KEAC monitors the creation of national parks and the identification of protected areas, participating at public hearings when applicable and submitting recommendations and feedback to the concerned authorities. The KEAC is focused in particular on the protection of the hunting, fishing and trapping rights of Inuit and when applicable Naskapi, visitor activities, environmental conservation and cultural heritage protection (archaeological sites), proposed park boundaries, as well as mineral exploration activities that may take place near parks.

Recent Actions

• Commented on the amendment to the Regulation respecting threatened or vulnerable plant species and their habitats and the addition of the Puvirnituq Mountain Draba (Draba puvirnituqii) to the list. A Green Corner article regarding this exceptional plant was published in the 131^st issue of Tarralik.
• Commented on the MFFP Wildlife Policy
• Submitted feedback on Bill 46, An Act to amend the Natural Heritage Conservation Act and Other Provisions
• Submitted Feedback on the policy on Québec national parks
• Published position paper on the Government commitment to dedicate 50% of Plan Nord lands to environmental protection, maintaining biodiversity, promoting our natural heritage and a variety of types of development that do not rely on industrial activities

You can access relevant publications regarding this subject at: https://keac-ccek.org/en/briefs-and-position-papers/