Conservation Planning
Building a strong economy, and creating business opportunities and good jobs is a priority for the Cree Nation. Planning for large scale Conservation Zones would require a balanced, comprehensive approach to lands planning. This means considering and weighing benefits and constraints related to both development and conservation opportunities, and factoring in other considerations such transportation infrastructure, road networks …etc.
La Grande Alliance is an agreement for collaboration and consolidation of socio-economic ties between the Cree Nation and Quebec government to connect, develop and protect the territory.
Defining protection status adapted to Eeyou Istchee
By 2035, 50% will be devoted to environmental protection, safeguarding biodiversity and for purposes other than industrial activities. The Cree Nation are currently identifying tools to support this objective.
Some potential planning objectives under the 50% protection
Conservation Zoning Tools
New NHCA Mechanism
Indigenous-led protected areas
Protected areas with sustainable development
Northern conservation areas
Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) - Self declared
Other designations under Natural Heritage Conservation Act (e.g. man-made landscapes, nature reserves)
Municipal Powers Act (Conservation zones through land use planning)
MERNs "Geoparks" or "exceptional geological site"
Woodland Caribou Range Planning
Establish special wildlife management zones
Development of territory policies (mining,culture,access and occupancy,water resources,wildlife, etc.)
Enhance Wildlife Protection resources
Eeyou Istchee Land Keepers Program
Enhance monitoring of land & wildlife
Determine planning to ensure habitat restoration (roads, silviculture, etc.)
Develop water resources strategy
Enhance sustainable resources development projects (Tourism, outfitting, non-timber forest products, bio-agriculture, fisheries resources, etc.)