Madam Speaker, later today I plan to table the document Tradition and Change, A Strategy for Renewable Resource Development in the NWT. This strategy provides an approach for managing and using renewable resources for the maximum benefit of our residents today, while ensuring there is enough for tomorrow. This has been the approach of our people for thousands of years.
The current value of the renewable resource harvest is now over $55 million per year. The harvest of wildlife, primarily as food, is worth a minimum of $38 million. The value of the fish and marine mammal harvest is $12 million. The timber harvest will increase this year from $3 million to $14 million. Last year, the sale of wild furs and agricultural products provided $3 million.
The renewable resource development strategy promotes economic self-reliance, local employment opportunities and benefits and local influence over the pace of development. This is especially important for smaller communities where few other economic opportunities exist. The strategy is divided into six renewable resource sectors: fur, wildlife, fisheries, forests, marine mammals, and agriculture. The value, objectives, initiatives and constraints of each sector are described and a three year action plan is included.
Madam Speaker, a healthy economy requires a healthy environment. I believe that releasing this strategy shows our government's commitment to both increasing economic opportunities, sustainable development and maintaining productive renewable resources. This is what residents are asking for and this is what we intend to provide. Thank you.
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