North American Waterfowl Conservation, a local approach through Municipal Wetland Stewardship
Maintaining waterfowl populations depends on effective conservation efforts throughout North America – the efforts of Newfoundland and Labrador communities are an important link in a continent-wide conservation plan.
Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are responsible for large areas of wetland. A Municipal Stewardship Agreement signed with the province is a pledge by the municipality to be a good steward of their natural resources. Through this partnership the resources of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture are made available to develop a conservation plan for the wetlands, to assist in the restoration of degraded wetlands, to provide for educational opportunities, and to promote the participation of the local residents in the use and protection of their resource.
Municipalities that have signed a wetland stewardship agreement are invited to join the Stewardship Association of Municipalities (SAM). This association meets on a regular basis to reinforce the concept of stewardship, to foster a sense of camaraderie between stewardship communities and to help promote a sense of pride in their achievements.