Provincial action needed on nature protection commitments

Reconsideration of the South Coast NMCA Feasibility Study MOU

The South Coast of Newfoundland and Labrador is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, deep cultural connections, and ecological importance. Its future depends on the choices we make today. The Province’s recent decision to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding for the feasibility assessment of a proposed South Coast National Marine Conservation Area has abruptly ended a collaborative, evidence-based process designed to explore conservation alongside sustainable economic opportunity.

By walking away from this process, the Province has also walked away from hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding that would have supported planning, engagement, and economic development in South Coast communities such as Burgeo, Ramea, and Conne River. This decision cuts communities out of the conversation and prioritizes short-term interests over long-term sustainability.

Decision-makers need to hear that people across Newfoundland and Labrador support informed planning, healthy oceans, and resilient coastal communities. Writing to government leaders is a powerful way to ensure your voice is part of this conversation.

Use the letter below as-is or personalize it with your own perspective. Your voice matters.

Email will be sent to Premier Tony Wakeham and Minister Tibbs (Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change).

Hon.

Tony

Wakeham

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Dear Honourable Wakeham,

As a resident and supporter of Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural heritage, I am writing to express my concern over the Province’s decision to terminate the Memorandum of Understanding for the feasibility assessment of a proposed South Coast National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) and the potential redesignation of Sandbanks Provincial Park as a National Park.

The feasibility assessment was not a decision to establish a protected area, but a collaborative, evidence-based process designed to consult communities, protect existing livelihoods, and determine whether conservation and sustainable economic activity could coexist. Ending this process prematurely removes the opportunity for informed decision-making shaped by local communities and Indigenous partners.

This decision has also resulted in the loss of significant federal funding that would have supported planning, engagement, and economic development in South Coast communities such as Burgeo, Ramea, and Conne River. At a time when rural coastal communities need long-term investment and stability, continuing the feasibility process would help ensure that communities have the information and resources needed to plan their future.

Across Canada, National Marine Conservation Areas have demonstrated clear economic benefits through federal investment, job creation, tourism opportunities, and support for sustainable fisheries. Similar opportunities could have been explored on the South Coast through this feasibility process, shaped by local priorities and Indigenous leadership.

I urge your government to reconsider this decision and allow the feasibility assessment to proceed so that communities can participate in a transparent, evidence-based process that supports both healthy oceans and strong coastal economies.

Sincerely,

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