The governments of Canada and Quebec, with support from the City of Montréal, create a working committee to develop a vision of the Biosphere's future Français
Apr 24, 2019, 18:21 ET
MONTRÉAL, April 24, 2019 /CNW/ - The governments of Canada and Quebec, with support from the City of Montréal, have agreed to form a working committee to explore ideas that will enable the Biosphere, environment museum, to carry out its public and scientific mandate as well as to maintain its influence and continuation. Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, in the heart of Montréal, this unique site raises visitors' awareness of major environmental issues while encouraging citizen action and participation.
The governments of Canada and Quebec, as well as the City of Montréal, support the idea that conserving and protecting the Biosphere's heritage are important because the museum contributes to public awareness and support for climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development issues.
The new committee's mandate will include developing a vision and models, which will make it possible to maintain the Biosphere's mission to promote the environment and fight climate change.
The committee's work will also promote the national and international influence of the Biosphere's activities for raising awareness. The committee will consider the conclusions of the Office de consultation publique de Montréal on the planning and development of Parc Jean-Drapeau.
The results of the committee's work may be used as the basis for a possible partnership between Canada, Quebec, and the City of Montréal. To enable the committee to fulfill its mandate, Environment and Climate Change Canada will continue its current activities at the Biosphere until December 31, 2020.
The Biosphere's mission contributes to the fulfilment of Canada's and Quebec's commitments in terms of involvement, education, and awareness resulting from international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement, and the Convention on Biological Diversity, whose secretariat is located in Montréal.
Quotes
"The Biosphere is a unique place and the only museum entirely dedicated to the environment and climate change. For nearly 25 years, this institution has been helping to inform, raise awareness, and encourage environmental action, among its visitors. New exhibits will be offered to visitors again this year while we work with the Government of Quebec and the City of Montréal and reflect on the direction of the Biosphere's future."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
"In these times of climate emergency, Montréal's Biosphere makes significant contributions in raising awareness among as many people as possible of the importance of protecting the environment and biodiversity and fighting climate change and in encouraging them to take action. For this reason, it warrants our attention. By accepting to participate in discussions concerning the Biosphere's future, the Government of Quebec wishes to show its commitment to the Biosphere's educational mission."
– Benoit Charette, Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change
"Because of its history and unique architecture, the Biosphere has a special place in Montréal's cultural landscape. The Biosphere is at the heart of a revitalization project of Parc Jean-Drapeau. Today, I am pleased that the governments of Canada and Quebec are working with the City of Montréal to ensure the continuation of one of its icons. This commitment helps to strengthen Montréal's leadership role in the conservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change."
– Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal
Quick facts
- The only environment museum in North America, the Biosphere offers interactive exhibits and guided activities.
- Home to the United States pavilion at the 1967 universal exposition, the Biosphere is an architectural masterpiece designed by the famous American architect, Richard Buckminster Fuller.
Associated links
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
For further information: Sabrina Kim, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-743-7138, [email protected]; Louis-Julien Dufresne, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, 418-521-3911; Geneviève Jutras, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor of Montréal and Executive Committee, 514-243-1268; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]; Media Relations, Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, 418-521-3991; Jules Chamberland-Lajoie, Public Relations Officer, City of Montréal, 514-872-7426
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