Yellowknife (June 6, 2014) – Results of the 2012 Canadian Nature Survey were released today by Canada’s Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments. It is the first national survey of its kind in Canada in more than 15 years.
“This survey has valuable information at the national and territorial level,” said Minister of Environment and Natural Resources J. Michael Miltenberger. “It increases our understanding of the importance of nature to Canadians – and northerners – by measuring our awareness of nature-related concepts and participation in nature-related activities including hunting, fishing, hiking and gardening.”
The purpose of the 2012 Canadian Nature Survey was to understand the extent to which residents of the Northwest Territories are connected to nature.
For Northwest Territories residents, the report found that:
- Awareness of the terms biodiversity and ecosystem services was very high:
- 89% of NWT residents had heard of biodiversity prior to the survey.
- Nearly 73% were aware of the term ecosystem services prior to the survey
- 87% of NWT residents were aware that biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services and provides life support and other important benefits to people.
- 41% of residents camp in tents.
- About 34% of residents own or use a personal or family secondary property, such as a camp or cabin. The most frequently mentioned activities while at the property include hiking, fishing and swimming.
Information was collected from 962 completed address-based surveys from NWT residents. Surveys were conducted from fall 2012 to spring 2013 and focused on experiences in the 12 months prior to the questionnaire.
Download the full report at the biodiversity Canada website:
- English : http://biodivcanada.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=2A0569A9-1
- Français : http://biodivcanada.ca/default.asp?lang=Fr&n=2A0569A9-1
For more information:
Judy Mclinton
Manager Public Affairs and Communications
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Tel: 867 873-7379
Email: judy_mclinton@gov.nt.ca