New partnership supports conservation of boreal wetlands

    Suncor Energy Foundation invests $1.5 million in Ducks Unlimited Canada

    EDMONTON, April 17 /CNW/ - An investment of $1.5 million from the Suncor
Energy Foundation in Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) will be a significant boost
to conservation efforts in the western boreal forest.
    This new commitment will establish a five-year partnership through DUC's
Western Boreal Program (WBP) to enhance best management practices for oil and
gas operations that protect and maintain wetland and watershed health. The
group's work will include gathering and sharing examples of best practice in
the oil and gas industry, coordinating research into watershed function and
helping to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands. DUC is a leader in
boreal wetlands conservation, and its research and knowledge of the western
boreal forest will be integral in the success of this partnership.
    "This is a good example of collaboration to find sustainable development
solutions that enable us meet our habitat goals and the needs of waterfowl,"
said Eric Butterworth, Manager, Territorial and Boreal Operations for the WBP.
"It's a partnership that recognizes the need for wetlands and their importance
to all Canadians."
    Wetlands act as natural water filters, reduce the effects of floods and
droughts, offer recreational opportunities, and provide homes for waterfowl
and other wildlife. Wetlands are also important in sequestering carbon to help
mitigate greenhouse gases. With wetland loss continuing at an alarming rate,
much of DUC's work involves finding unique ways of engaging landowners,
industry, government and the public to conserve wetlands.
    "Suncor recognizes water is a precious resource that must be managed
wisely," said Gord Lambert, Suncor's vice president, Sustainable Development.
"We want to be part of the solution to help ensure the health of our wetlands
and the surrounding boreal landscape. Partnering with DUC was a natural choice
because of their work and experience in conserving Canada's wetlands."
    Canada's boreal forest stretches from B.C. to Quebec and into the
Northwest Territories and the Yukon and represents approximately 58 per cent
of Canada's land mass. Thirty per cent of the western boreal forest is covered
by wetlands, consisting of bogs, fens, marshes, an estimated 1.5 million
lakes, and some of the country's largest river systems, including the
Athabasca, Peace, Slave and Mackenzie system.

    Ducks Unlimited Canada is a national, private, non-profit organization
which has been committed to wetland conservation for 70 years.

    The Suncor Energy Foundation is a private, non-profit charitable
foundation established by Suncor to receive Suncor's contributions and support
registered Canadian charitable organizations. Its funding priorities are
educational, environmental and community-based initiatives that are aligned
with Suncor's key operating communities.

    Suncor Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company headquartered in
Calgary, Alberta. Suncor's common shares (symbol: SU) are listed on the
Toronto and New York stock exchanges.

For further information: Anh Hoang, Marketing and Communications
Specialist, Ducks Unlimited Canada, [phone], [e-mail]; Darcie
Park, Manager, Corporate Communications, Suncor Energy, [phone],
[e-mail]