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It is extremely important that this procees remain independent. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 17:45:53 -0500 From: "Marc Johnson, Canadian Nature Federation" <species@cnf.ca> ***URGENT: SIGN-ON FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES*** PLEASE RESPOND BY APRIL 6, 1999 Canada's long-standing process for developing the national list of species at risk of extinction is being degraded. Please have your organization sign-on to this important letter regarding the need for impartiality in the listing of species at risk. A credible endangered species list is a fundamental first step in preventing biodiversity loss in Canada. For 21 years, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has been working to annually update Canada's list of species at risk of extinction. Key to the Committee's success has been its foundation in science-based expertise. The Committee includes a number of independent scientists, representatives of the conservation community, and federal, provincial, and territorial government scientists. This diverse and balanced composition of government and non-government expertise has ensured an effective, impartial process for designating species at risk. Unfortunately, recent changes to COSEWIC's structure will upset this balance and impede its ability to function as an impartial committee. In September 1998, Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial wildlife ministers decided to remove the voting rights from the Chairs of the scientific sub-committees, who are largely academic scientists. Should these changes be implemented, all voting positions will be filled by those employed or selected by government. Traditionally based on sound science, the assessment of extinction risk for species could well become, or be seen to become, subject to political influence. We understand there is still an opportunity to comment on these proposed changes to COSEWIC. Please demonstrate your organization's support for an impartial COSEWIC by signing-on to the letter below. Sign-on is being sought from organizations (private companies, associations, NGOs, academic departments, etc.), the representative of these organizations who deals with conservation matters, and members of COSEWIC and its scientific sub-committees. PLEASE sign-on to the letter below by faxing or e-mailing the name of your organization, and your name and title (where applicable) to: e-mail <species@cnf.ca> fax (613) 562-3117 The deadline for sign-on is April 06, 1999. PLEASE pass this letter onto other organizations interested in this matter. Thank you! Prepared by the Canadian Nature Federation, Canadian Wildlife Federation, and World Wildlife Fund ----LETTER TO WILDLIFE MINISTERS--- Dear wildlife ministers, We, the undersigned, agree that the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) must operate as an independent scientific authority in determining the national list of species at risk of extinction. We are proud of COSEWIC's achievements in its 21 years of operation. What makes COSEWIC function effectively is that it has brought together government, non-government, and academic sectors in a partnership process to designate the status of species at risk in Canada. The presence of these three groups has served to provide an appropriate balance of views, thus ensuring that decisions have been made based on sound science. The result has been a credible list of species at risk that serves as an essential first step towards protecting the nation's biological diversity. We are therefore deeply concerned about your recent decision to remove the right to vote on the status of species from the Chairs of the scientific subcommittees. We believe that their participation as full voting members is essential to ensuring COSEWIC's real and perceived impartiality, and to maintaining broad-based acceptance for the Committee's vital work. Recognizing that wildlife ministers are committed to the effective conservation of endangered species, and recognizing COSEWIC's fundamental role in this process, we urge you to ensure that the Chairs of the scientific sub-committees participate as full voting members in the newly structured COSEWIC. Sincerely, *************************************** Marc Johnson Endangered Species Program Coordinator Canadian Nature Federation/Federation canadienne de la nature 1 Nicholas St, Suite 606, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7 (613) 562-3447 ext.227 Fax (613) 562-3371 -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- You received this because you are subscribed to "sust-mar", the Sustainable Maritimes mailing list. To unsubscribe, send email to <majordomo@chebucto.ns.ca> with "unsubscribe sust-mar" (without quotes) as the body of your message. To post a message to sust-mar subscribers, send it to <sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca> Posts that are off-topic or excessive length (10K) will be rejected. For help contact <sust-mar-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
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