UNESCO is continuing to call for better protection of Wood Buffalo National Park.
The international organization provided a report earlier this summer where they highlighted the work being done in the area.
They claim no work has been done on studying the risk of tailing ponds around the park, the increased budget provided by the federal government isn’t enough, and relationships with local Indigenous groups are only seeing ‘modest success.’
The report also suggests not enough is being done to protect the endangered species who live in the park.
“The determination of imminent threats to the recovery of wood bison, partially on the grounds of industrial development, is a further indication that the pressure on the property and its flagship species continues to be very high,” read the report.
Moving forward, UNESCO is requesting Parks Canada – which oversees the park – to complete all previously made recommendations which includes enhancing research, monitoring and management of the area, strengthening relationships with Indigenous partners, and more.
They’re also planning to send a joint World Heritage Centre/International Union for Conservation of Nature monitoring mission to properly assess the area.