Environment Canada announced the six award winners from across Canada, for the Nature Matters! Contest, which invited Canadian youth to submit a video or written essay that answers the question, “Why is nature important to you?”. The recognition took place during the grand-reopening ceremony of the Victoria Memorial Museum Building of the Canadian Museum of Nature, on the occasion of the International Day of Biodiversity 2010.

“I am impressed with the clear vision that young Canadians have articulated to conserve our rich biodiversity now and for future generations,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Environment Canada’s Minister. “Enjoying and appreciating our natural environment is an integral part of Canadian tradition, and by working together, we can also make it part of our legacy to mark this important year for biodiversity.”

From January 28 to March 28, 2010, this contest provided an opportunity for young Canadians to explore the importance of biodiversity and Canada’s extraordinary natural heritage.

Winning written essays will be displayed in public art panels outside Environment Canada’s premier museum, The Biosphere in Montreal. Winning video essays will be projected for visitors at The Biosphere in Montreal during 2010. Winning and runner-up essays are published on the Website of the Canadian Biodiversity Information Network, a shared public resource of our federal, provincial, and territorial governments.

The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Environment Canada is taking this opportunity to inspire and engage Canadians to create a legacy of local action, projects and partnerships focused on conserving biodiversity beyond 2010. In addition, the International Day of Biodiversity is an excellent opportunity for everyone to participate in activities, like tree planting events as part of the Green Wave initiative.

For more information on 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, and International Day for Biological Diversity, please visit: www.cbin.ec.gc.ca/

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