The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) announced today that Mosaic provided US$60,000 to support NCC’s conservation and stewardship of ecologically significant land and water in Saskatchewan. Mosaic’s support will fund research, inventories, monitoring and property management on NCC properties in the province.
From providing funding for property acquisitions to supporting priority stewardship work, corporations’ support of the not-for-profit, private land conservation organization is essential. When NCC acquires land, its staff conduct an inventory of the property’s natural characteristics, threats and species. Staff then implement actions with the goal of conserving and supporting these habitats and species over the long term. Support from partners and donors ensures that NCC’s work continues year after year.
“NCC is one of our long-time community partners, and we are pleased to provide them with three years of funding to continue their important work in our province,” says Sarah Fedorchuk, VP Government and Public Affairs, North America. “With our extensive potash operations in Saskatchewan, we help the world grow the food it needs, in balance with preserving the ecosystems around us. NCC is a key partner in accomplishing this work, and we look forward to watching the progress they make to conserve and restore our prairie landscapes.”
The opportunity to conserve native prairie habitat is vital. Grasslands, and the wetlands they contain, are among the world’s most at-risk ecosystems. Over the past 25 years, Saskatchewan has lost more than 809,000 hectares (2 million acres) of native grassland, and less than 20 per cent of native grassland now remains in our province. Grasslands filter our water, sequester and store carbon and are a critical part of Saskatchewan life. Grasslands also support prairie wildlife, including burrowing owl, swift fox, pronghorn, songbirds and migratory birds.
"We are excited to announce Mosaic's support for NCC's conservation work in protecting areas rich in natural diversity," says Jennifer McKillop, regional vice-president for NCC's Saskatchewan Region. "I would like to express our gratitude for Mosaic's support of $60,000, provided in U.S. dollars, made possible by their global presence. Providing the donation in U.S. dollars allowed us to access funds under the North American Wetland Conservation Agreement (NAWCA) grant program. As a result, Mosaic's investment was more than doubled for greater conservation impact. With help from individuals and organizations such as Mosaic, we have an opportunity to protect endangered grasslands, wetlands and the at-risk species they sustain."
Facts
• Mosaic provided US$60,000 - $20,000 annually over the last two years as well as this year - to support NCC’s conservation and stewardship work.
• NAWCA is the only U.S. federal grant program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. Since 1989, funding has advanced the conservation of wetland habitats and their wildlife in all 50 states, Canada and Mexico, while engaging more than 6,500 partners in over 3,100 projects.
• NCC provides volunteer opportunities to help with on-the-ground stewardship of grasslands and wetlands. For more information, visit conservationvolunteers.ca.
• NCC provides public on-foot access to most of its properties. To plan your next adventure, visit naturedestinations.ca.
About NCC
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is the nation's leading land conservation organization, working to protect our country’s most important natural areas and the species they sustain. Since 1962, NCC and its partners have helped to protect 14 million hectares (35 million acres) coast to coast to coast. In Saskatchewan, more than 198,219 hectares (489,810 acres) have been protected. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.
About Mosaic
The Mosaic Company is one of the world's leading producers and marketers of concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients. Mosaic is a single source provider of phosphate and potash fertilizers and feed ingredients for the global agriculture industry. More information on the company is available at www.mosaicco.com.
