Press Release

The Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec
A ONE-OF-A-KIND VIRTUAL CONSULTATION TOOL IN QUÉBEC

Quebec City, April 14, 2005 – The ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs and the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune announce the launch of the Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec (CDPNQ) website (www.cdpnq.gouv.qc.ca). The CDPNQ’s mandate consists of gathering, storing, analyzing and distributing data on elements of biodiversity and more specifically on threatened or vulnerable species.

CDPNQ data are useful for species or habitat recovery plan drafting, research projects, environmental impact studies, as well as application of protective measures and zoning project analyses. They are provided on demand for scientific or conservation purposes to consultants, ministries and various other agencies or individuals involved mainly in Québec in areas such as environmental assessment, research, land use planning and conservation.

The Internet site now gives direct access to general information about the CDPNQ and the monitored species. Useful publications and references are also posted on the website or accessible through links for consultation or acquisition. Users may also report their observations on monitored species and access explanations on the information request procedure.

It will be recalled that bringing the CDPNQ on line is totally consistent with the Québec government’s commitment to prioritize Internet in order to enhance the delivery of services to citizens and enterprises with a view to efficacy and cost-efficiency.

Background

The Centre de données sur le patrimoine naturel du Québec was set up by the Ministère de l’Environnement in 1988 following the enactment of the Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species. The Centre is managed jointly by the ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs, which is responsible for plant species, and the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune, which is responsible for animal species.

CDPNQ’s Partners

The CDPNQ benefits from the support of several partners which share its objectives and contribute to the conservation of the biodiversity on the Québec territory : the Association des entomologistes amateurs du Québec, the Association québécoise des groupes d’ornithologues (AQGO), Nature Conservancy – Québec, Environment Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service, FloraQuebeca, the Fondation de la faune du Québec, the Fondation pour la sauvegarde des espèces menacées, NatureServe, NatureServe Canada, Parks Canada, the Société d’histoire naturelle de la vallée du Saint-Laurent and the Société Provancher d’histoire naturelle du Canada.

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