Changing the Endangered…

Changing the Endangered Species Act, 2007 is a huge step backwards in protecting the natural environment which is so important for the survival of all plant and animal species including humans. In a time when we face so many mental health challenges, knowing that there are are natural areas in the world that we can explore and care for gives us hope for now and in the future. The benefits of natural areas cannot and should not be underestimated. Changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 for the the benefit of development is not the answer. Respecting the traditions and beliefs of Indigenous people is critical for reconciliation and as a country we have not gone far enough to meet the terms of the Truth and Reconciliation Agreement! The relationship of people with the land and plants and animals underlies tradition and beliefs and must be respected at all costs. What will be the cost to the interconnectedness of our natural world? Animal habitats are much more than the limitations set forth in the new Act. Putting human wants/needs ahead of the needs of plants and animals is not necessary. Surely as intelligent beings we can come up with better solutions so that protected plant and animal habitats are considered to be much more than the minimally proposed protection areas. In order to thrive all species require an extensive habitat and it is our responsibility to see that endangered species thrive for it is in thriving that the numbers of different species are protected not in procreating only to die later due to lack of habitat. Habitats are complex as is nature complex. Simplifying steps to further our wants/needs at the expensive of endangered species is not the the solution!