15 Mar HYDRO-QUÉBEC ENERGIZES APPALACHIAN CORRIDOR’S ACTIVITIES FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS
Eastman (Quebec), March 15, 2022 – The magnitude of the climate and ecological crisis calls on all actors in society to mobilize to mitigate and even reverse the environmental consequences we are facing. As such, Appalachian Corridor is pleased to announce a three-year partnership with Hydro-Quebec to accelerate and amplify three key programs dedicated to the promotion of natural solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase GHG capture through the protection of natural environments on our territory of action.
“We are facing environmental issues that require fast and efficiency actions,” says Mélanie Lelièvre, Executive Director of Appalachian Corridor. “In this alarming context of climate change and erosion of biodiversity, all actors in our community must mobilize to restore and maintain the health of our planet. In addition to producing renewable energy, Hydro-Quebec, by supporting our activities, is positioning itself as a committed corporate citizen who believes in the importance of adopting natural strategies to protect natural environments and to counter and even reverse some of the harmful trends facing the environment. Our entire team is very grateful for this support.”
KEY INITIATIVES TO GENERATE REGIONAL GAINS
Hydro-Québec’s contribution will be dedicated to accelerating and expanding three of Appalachian Corridor’s work areas: a mobilization program for municipalities and MRCs committed to protecting natural environments, an awareness program for landowners interested in contributing to the vast corridor of protected natural areas, and a support program for its network of 17 affiliate members.
“Hydro-Québec has been concerned with the environment for more than half a century,” explains Julie Boucher, Vice President – Customer Experience, Communications and Community Relations at Hydro-Québec. Back in that time, the term “environment” was used in response to the new problems that plagued society: pollution, industrial risks, etc. Today, in this era of energy transition, Hydro-Québec wishes to act on the protection of the environment and the vitality of regions. We are therefore proud to announce our new partnership with Appalachian Corridor. This is one of the ways we are acting locally to address a global issue. Helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is part of Hydro-Québec’s social commitment. It is an investment in our common future.”
THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF MUNICIPALITIES AND REGIONAL COUNTY MUNICIPALITIES IN PROTECTING NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
A significant portion of Hydro-Québec’s investment will be deployed to increase the support offered by Appalachian Corridor to municipalities and MRCs in the region intent on taking into greater consideration natural environments in their land use planning.
“We have made significant gains in voluntary conservation over the past twenty years by working with generous private land donors,” explains Ms. Lelièvre. “We intend to build on this momentum and believe municipalities and MRCs hold the key to achieving larger-scale gains for the protection of biodiversity and the necessary adaptation to climate change.”
TWENTY YEARS OF GAINS FOR NATURE AND COMMUNITIES… AND STILL SO MUCH TO DO
The year 2022 marks 20 years since the establishment of Appalachian Corridor. Since its founding, the conservation organization has contributed, along with the Nature Conservancy of Canada and its affiliate members, to the protection of more than 15,000 hectares of natural environments in perpetuity on its territory of action.
Over time, the organization has expanded its spheres of impact and adapted its core activities to include perpetual private land conservation initiatives, knowledge acquisition and scientific research projects for threatened species, as well as activities dedicated to the enhancement of publicly accessible territories, such as the Mount Singer trails and soon a hiking network on Mount Foster.
“We are proud of how far we have come over the past two decades and are excited to continue doing what it takes to care for nature. There is no doubt that with partners like Hydro-Quebec, our efforts will go further,” concludes Ms. Lelièvre.