Periodic Report on the Application of the
World Heritage Convention

Section II

Report on the State of Conservation of
Wood Buffalo National Park
 

1 INTRODUCTION
 

1a State Party
CANADA
1b Name of World Heritage Site
Wood Buffalo National Park
1c Geographic Coordinates
Latitude ~62° - ~57° N / Longitude ~111° - ~115° W
1d Date of inscription
09/12/83
1e Date of subsequent extension(s)
Not applicable

1f Organization(s) responsible for the preparation of report

Organization Name: Parks Canada
Name: Weninger, Josie
Title: Field Unit Superintendent, Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit
Address: Box 750
City: Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Postal Code: X0E 0P0
Telephone: 867 872-7943
Fax Number: 867 872-3910
Email: woodbuffaloinfo@pc.gc.ca
 

2 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

2a Original justification for inscription
The nomination stated that Wood Buffalo National Park is an outstanding example of the ongoing processes active in the biological evolution of the boreal biome; it contains rare and superlative natural phenomena including a large inland delta, salt plains and gypsum karst; and it protects habitat where populations of rare or endangered species of animals still survive including bison, whooping cranes and peregrine falcons. The nomination stated that Wood Buffalo National Park, situated in the north-central region of Canada, houses the largest population of wild bison in North America and is the natural nesting place for the whooping crane. Wood Buffalo National Park has the largest inland delta in the world formed by the Peace and Athabasca Rivers, is bordered by the Slave River on the eastern boundary and has vast areas of boreal forest making it for all times, a virtually intact and self perpetuating boreal plains of fauna and flora.
 

2b Criteria for initial inscription
Cultural Criteria:
Natural Criteria:
ii
iii
iv
 

2c Agreed upon Statement of Significance
At the time of inscription, the World Heritage Committee did not agree upon a Statement of Significance.
Proposed Statement of Significance
The World Heritage Committee inscribed the site under natural criteria (ii), (iii) and (iv).
Wood Buffalo National Park is an outstanding example of ongoing biological evolution where superlative and rare natural phenomena contain populations of varied species. These rare and endangered species including the whooping crane and bison continue to thrive in this diverse boreal region. The ongoing ecological evolution of the large inland delta and salt plains are ongoing processes supporting the biological evolution of the boreal biome.

(Note: The Statement of Significance proposed here reflects the definitions and numbering of the criteria at the time the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List. Changes in the definitions and numbering of the criteria since that time will need to be taken into account when officially submitting a Statement of Significance to the World Heritage Committee for approval.)
 

2d Criteria added after initial inscription
Since the initial inscription, the World Heritage Committee has not added additional criteria to the inscription.
 

3 STATEMENT OF AUTHENTICITY/INTEGRITY

3a Initial evaluation of authenticity/integrity
In the nomination, Canada noted that “most of this vast park is unmodified wilderness”. While it acknowledged that “land may be withdrawn from the park as a result of native land claims settlements now being negotiated ...(and) a range of proposals for boundary changes are presently being considered,” Canada stated that these changes would not affect any significant park resources. The nomination included information about pre-existing timber leases in the park, a proposed hydro-electric project proposed for the Slave River, and domestic hunting and trapping in the park. Measures to address these issues were noted. Finally, Canada described the presence and effects of disease in the bison herd of the park.

In its evaluation of the nomination, the IUCN stated that the size of Wood Buffalo provided “ample room for most ecological processes to continue undisturbed” and noted that a “number of complete ecosystems are included within the park.” Though it concluded that the proposed dam on the Slave River “may have an impact on certain portions of the park,” IUCN thought it was unlikely the project would go forward and noted that the Canadian government would need to do an environmental impact assessment before the project could proceed.
 

3b Significant changes in authenticity / integrity
Since inscription, there have not been significant changes in the authenticity/integrity of the site.
 

4 MANAGEMENT

MANAGEMENT REGIME
4a Ownership/Management
Management under protective legislation.
Description: Wood Buffalo National Park is protected and managed under the authority of the Canada National Parks Act, the Parks Canada Agency Act, the Wood Buffalo National Park Game Regulations and the Parks Canada Guiding Principles and Operational Policies. These acts and policies are the ongoing tools for conservation management in the park.
   

4b Level of authority
National
Description: Wood Buffalo National Park is managed according to Parks Canada Agency Principles and Operational Policies. There is a requirement by Parliament to have a park management plan in place which is the fundamental guiding document used to manage the park. There is a requirement to update this document to reflect changes and pressures to the ecosystem and management strategies. The lead administration office is located in Fort Smith with a smaller sub office in the Fort Chipewyan community.
 

4c Legal status
Wood Buffalo National Park was created in 1922. The park was expanded south of the Peace River in 1926 to accommodate the migration of the bison south of the Peace River into the delta which is a savanna like area.
 

4d Agency/agencies with management authority

Agency Name: Parks Canada
Name: Weninger, Josie
Title: Field Unit Superintendent, Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit
Address: Box 750
City: Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Postal Code: XOE OPO
Telephone: 867 872-7943
Fax Number: 867 872-3910
Email: woodbuffaloinfo@pc.gc.ca

Agency Name: Parks Canada
Name: Latourelle, Alan
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Address: 25 Eddy Street, 7th Floor
City: Gatineau, Quebec
Postal Code: K1A 0M5
Telephone: 819 997-9525
Fax Number: 819 953-9745
Email:  alan.latourelle@pc.gc.ca
 

4e Protective measures and means of implementing them
The Canada National Parks Act and Regulations (2000) requires that "maintenance or restoration of ecological integrity, through the protection of natural resources and natural processes, shall be the first priority of the Minister when considering all aspects of the management of parks."

The Parks Canada Agency Act (1998), established an Agency "for the purpose of ensuring that Canada's national parks , national historic sites and related heritage areas are protected and represented for this and future generations and in order to further achievement of the national interest as it related to those parks, sites and heritage areas and related programs."

Park's Canada Guiding Principles and Operational Policies.
Wood Buffalo National Park Game Regulations (1978).
Canada Fisheries Act (1985).
Migratory Birds and Conservation Act (1994).
Species At Risk Act (2002).
 

4f Administrative and management arrangements
Operational management of Wood Buffalo National Park is directed by the Field Unit Superintendent who reports via the Executive Director of Northern Canada and Director General, Western and Northern Canada to the Chief Executive Officer of the Parks Canada Agency. Wood Buffalo is managed through two local administration offices. Fort Smith, accessible year round by road, is located on the north east corner of the park and Fort Chipewyan, accessible by water or winter road, is located on the south-east corner of the park. Along with Nahanni National Park Reserve and a number of historical sites, Wood Buffalo is part of the Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit of Parks Canada. Wood Buffalo is unique with six Aboriginal land selections set apart as reserves for First Nations inside the park's boundaries. These sites are part of Canada's commitment to honour the long tradition of Aboriginal use and history in the park. Aboriginals play an integral role in the management of fur bearing species through their historical group trapping areas. Their traditional knowledge of the species and landscape is a valuable resource for cultural and science based management decisions.
 

4g Significant changes in management regime since inscription
The significant changes to the park which have occurred since its inscription in 1983 have come about with the setting aside of small parcels of land for reserve creation for First Nations. Their location reflects significant meaning and values to the culture of the park as it relates to the history of Aboriginals in Wood Buffalo. The Canada National Parks Act (2000) has provided fundamental direction and strengthens the commitment in providing an ecosystem-based management approach to the maintenance and restoration of the park's ecological integrity through the protection of the natural processes and natural resources.
 

4h Management plan
There is a management plan in place for the site.
Summary of management plan
Parliament requires that a national park have a park management plan in place. The Wood Buffalo National Park Park Management Plan was approved by the Minister of the day in 1984. That plan has been the operating document until the present day. Due to the complexity and diversity of stakeholders, subsequent park management plan processes have been delayed from moving forward. Presently, the park is in the early stages of a renewed park management plan process that will engage stakeholders in a more meaningful way, paving the future for a park management plan that meets the needs of all stakeholders. There is a goal to update the plan by 2008. The current plan provides direction in the form of zoning for protection of rare and endangered species, ecological maintenance and restoration and visitor experience and use.
 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES
4i Annual operating budget
C$ 7 250 000 for 2003/2004
 

STAFFING LEVELS (HUMAN RESOURCES)
4j Staffing levels
Full time: 31
Part time: 1
Seasonal: 41
Other: 2

Administrative: 4 positions
Communications/Visitor Services: 5 positions
Resource Conservation: 21 positions
Human Resource: 2 positions
Finance and Administration: 4 positions
Fire Management: 33 positions
Asset Management: 6 positions
 

SOURCES OF EXPERTISE AND TRAINING IN CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
4k Sources of specialized expertise, training and services
Specialized off-site expertise is acquired from regional service centres in Winnipeg and Calgary, other national and provincial parks and agencies, Parks Canada's National Office, territorial and provincial governments, the United States and Canadian military, universities and researchers. Each specific project may require expertise from one or more sources. Expertise is sought in areas of complex environmental issues, wildlife disease management, fire management and ecologically-based science.
 

VISITATION
4l Visitor statistics available
Visitor statistics are available for the site.
Annual visitation, methodology and trends
The annual visitation averages near 1200 visitors from all walks of life. Visitation in 2003 was 1296. Visitors may be from one of the nearby eleven communities or from an international origin. Visitation has been generally constant in the last five years. Visitors are recorded at both park offices, at the Pine Lake campground and all visitors coming in to travel the vast rivers of the park are required to register when they enter at various check points and when they leave. Visitors who enter the park at one of the unserviced entrances may not be included in the population count.
 

4m Visitor facilities
The park itself has an overview of the Salt Plains where visitors can witness bison strolling gently across its delicate surface. Angus Tower day use area hosts one of the park's largest sink holes and provides a nice resting area for visitors entering or leaving the park. The park has a number of hiking trails where visitors will encounter a true wilderness boreal region. The Salt River day use area is a local attraction that features karst formations, a snake hibernaculum and a hiking trail that experiences many of the phenomena of the boreal forest. Pine Lake has a camp ground that accommodates overnight campers in the park. The campground itself has a wide range of services to assist campers in making their visit enjoyable while experiencing the sink hole formation lake and the boreal forest.
 

4n Tourism/visitor management plan
There is a tourism/visitor management plan in place for the site.
Summary of tourism/visitor management plan
Wood Buffalo National Park has developed an Aboriginal tourism strategy to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with biodiversity. Local Aboriginal guides take visitors through the park passing on their traditional knowledge and providing a truly unique and memorable experience. This approach to managing visitors is two fold. The primary goal is to have local Aboriginal guides provide visitors with an experience that engages them not only in the natural heritage but the cultural heritage of the park as well. In a secondary fashion, this approach for the multiday visitor helps ensure that the visitors face the vast size and natural challenges of this park with expertise at their side.
 

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
4o Key scientific studies and research programs
Peace-Athabasca Delta Study
Study of Hydrocarbons in the Peace-Athasbasca Delta
Peace and Slave River Ice Jams
Peace River Water Quality
Whooping Crane Ecology and Rehabilitation
Bison Segregation Study
Bison Research Containment Program
Molecular Analysis of Evolutionary Change in Stickleback Populations
Assessing Suitable Habitat for Wood Bison
Heritage Resources Impact Assessment
Fire Regulated Degradation of Peat Plateau Bogs
Habitat Fragmentation and Impacts
Moose Population Statistical Count
Vegetative Analysis and Mapping
Flood, Climatic and Ecological History of the Peace-Athabasca Delta

Use of results of scientific studies and research programs
The results of these scientific studies and research programs are used in the management decisions of Wood Buffalo National Park. Results of species related studies are integral to wildlife and habitat management in determining strategies for segregation counting of wood bison, in determining a scientific approach to moose population monitoring and in determining a visitation strategy for the whooping crane area.
Resource harvesting quotas for traditional use are monitored and adjusted as a result of these studies. This assists the park in conserving the resources to continue to ensure there are adequate levels of certain species for traditional harvesting in the future.

These studies also help in determining a fire management strategy. Through this strategy, fire will be used as an integral part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for Wood Buffalo. The ongoing research and monitoring of the water quality and quantity in the Peace-Athabasca Delta are fundamental to maintaining and protecting the fragile ecosystem that is home to a hugely diverse population of wildlife, fauna and flora.

Results of many of the studies are key contributions to assist in the development of recovery strategies for species at risk, not only in the park, but in other areas nationally and internationally with similar conservation practices and principles.

Role of WHS designation in design of scientific studies and research programs
Wood Buffalo National Park has utilized the World Heritage Site designation as a cornerstone to justify and support new research projects. A good example is ongoing whooping crane research that is supporting a widening of scientific knowledge in the areas of crane ecology and rehabilitation. This information has been fundamental in its contribution to the recovery plan for this endangered species.
 

EDUCATION, INFORMATION AND AWARENESS BUILDING
4p WHS plaque
There is a plaque at the site indicating that it is a World Heritage Site.
 

4q Use of WHC logo
The World Heritage Convention logo is used on all publications for the site.
 

4r Educational programs for schools
There are educational programs about the site's World Heritage values aimed at schools.
Description of educational programs for schools
In the school programs, students are made aware that Wood Buffalo National Park is a World Heritage Site and the importance of that designation to the park. Every year schools in the surrounding communities are visited to help students have a greater understanding of the significance of Wood Buffalo National Park. Yearly, over 4000 students are given an opportunity to experience in the classroom and in the park the natural and cultural heritage of this park. This outreach program is one that is being expanded every year to connect with the youth in the adjacent area. Engaging the youth to experience the park and receive our messaging on conservation has been a very rewarding program. The program is being expanded in partnership with other northern parks to go beyond our communities and into nearby regions.
 

4s Special events and exhibitions
There are special events and exhibitions concerning the site's World Heritage values.
Description of special events and exhibitions
There is a special area for the whooping cranes in the park that has trails, interpretive signs and look-outs into the nesting area. This area is easily accessible as a pull out on Highway 5 that runs through the northern portion of the park. The area is located on a high point overlooking the nesting area. Telescopes are used as an observation mechanism for close up viewing. Visitors often experience their first real life visual contact of a whooping crane in this area. The Visitor Centre in the main office has additional factual and site specific information on the whooping cranes of Wood Buffalo National Park.
 

4t Facilities, visitor centre, site museum, trails, guides, information materials
Wood Buffalo National Park has a number of brochures available for the public. The "Tales" is one of our most significant publications that visitors cherish as a source of information and educational literature. The two Visitor Centres in the communities of Fort Chipewyan and Fort Smith are long time tourist attractions where visitors receive overviews about the park, encounter friendly and informative staff and learn of the cultural and ecological past of Wood Buffalo National Park. The trails are signed with the principle of helping visitors understand ecological integrity and how we can enjoy and protect the park for future generations. The visitor facilities in the Fort Smith office consist of a display area with a number of exhibits portraying the diversity and uniqueness of Wood Buffalo National Park. The theatre has both an extraordinary slide show and a video exhibiting examples of the boreal biome and the species unique to Wood Buffalo. The Fort Chipewyan office has a display area where visitors can experience the offerings of the world's largest inland delta, its multitude of migratory birds and the aboriginal traditions of the area. Staff are available seven days a week in the summer to assist visitors in answering their questions and ensuring that they are given an opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of such a large and diverse park.
 

4u Role of WHS designation in education, information and awareness building activities
The designation as a World Heritage Site has been a fundamental message in the park's programming, educational outreach and in all our publication material. The designation allows us another opportunity to further acknowledge the universal value of Wood Buffalo's special features of ecological importance. The local guides utilize the World Heritage Site designation in their promotional literature that is circulated at trade shows nationally and internationally as a value that warrants attention of all the public.
 

5 FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY

5a Development Pressures
The World Heritage Site nomination identified the park as a virtually intact and self-perpetuating boreal plains fauna and flora. The park embodies the qualities of spaciousness and wildness which symbolizes northern Canada and which are rapidly becoming rare and precious world resources.

Wood Buffalo National Park is undergoing three significant development pressures as it enters the 21st century which will affect the integrity of the site unless they are monitored and managed in accordance with the principles of maintaining and restoring the natural and cultural heritage of this special place.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Development
The tar sands projects directly south of the park are expanding at an increasing rate. Five new projects are forecast with three projects already being at the initial stages of approval for development. These projects are removing millions of litres from the Athabasca River which feeds water into the Athabasca Delta Basin.

Even with mitigative measures in place, the degradation of the quality and quantity of water flowing into the delta is inevitable. This negative environmental impact is sure to affect the ecological balance of this great area which hosts a huge number of varied species of waterfowl and fish. Parks Canada Agency is participating on the management board for this area south of the park as a resource for expertise in the planning, monitoring and management of these projects and the impacts they have in the short and long term.

Agricultural Development
On the south-west corner of Wood Buffalo National Park, the recent expansion and development of the agriculture area adjacent to the park is one of the newest challenges facing the park. The land adjacent to the park is under pressure for the development of grazing land to meet expanding requirements for the Alberta livestock industry. This poses an ecological threat to that boreal region of the park and a threat to the bison in that south-west quadrant of the park. Clearing of land adjacent to the park creates an artificial ecological imbalance with the surrounding area. The bison in Wood Buffalo are known carriers of tuberculosis bovine. These bison, now attracted outside of their natural grazing region, will become a threat to the commercial livestock industry. Wildlife disease has always been a part of the ecosystem. With the potential interaction of commercial livestock and free roaming bison, this threat will force the need to now aggressively manage bison in this ecosystem. Parks Canada Agency is participating actively in the management of the provincial protected areas adjacent to the park and in conjunction with the Alberta government as an advisor in the development and management of the agricultural area adjacent to the park. Parks Canada Agency continues to integrate research and monitoring of species of common interest with projects in other jurisdictions adjacent to Wood Buffalo.

Hydro Development on the Peace River
Currently, there is an application for the construction of a small dam for the production of electricity downstream from the town of Peace River. These small facilities still adversely affect the flow of water into the delta. The delta is currently in a drying mode given the lower snowfalls of the past ten years. The adjustment to the waterflow limits the possibilites of a spring flood which recharges the perch basins. This ecological impact has adverse effects on the fish, bird and muskrat populations. In the past 20 years the muskrat population has nearly been extinguished in the delta region.
 

5b Environmental Pressures
The most significant environmental pressure being placed on Wood Buffalo National Park is the climate change in annual precipitation. Wood Buffalo is experiencing a reduction in annual precipitation. Reduced snowfall in particular over the past decade has diminished water quality and quantity throughout the park. Impacts such as reduced or altered fish and bird populations will negatively affect the ecosystem. Wild fire cycle may have a higher level of occurrence. Water quality and quantity has always been a key component to the ecosystem's health in the park. Without the recharge of annual precipitation and spring run off, the basins are not being purged as they once were. This will alter the flora and fauna, impacting the evolution of the boreal biome.
 

5c Natural Disasters and Preparedness
The only potential threat of a natural disaster in Wood Buffalo National Park is one where the quality or quantity of water being supplied by the Peace River from the west and the Athabasca River from the south is adversely affected. Ongoing yearly monitoring of ice jams, water quality and water quantity are steps that are being taken to monitor any potential significant changes. Ongoing partnerships in scientific monitoring and reporting have been formed. Analysis of water related activities outside of the park are carefully monitored to measure any potential impacts. These fundamental steps are part of the overall strategy in a contingency plan to ensure the natural integrity of the park is maintained. New research projects are being proposed and will be considered as further steps to addressing issues relative to water quality and quantity. Staffing actions are being adjusted to enhance the level of professionally trained staff with a scientific background in hydrology.
 

5d Visitor/Tourism Pressures
Wood Buffalo National Park, as a result of its size, location and access, is managed as a wilderness park. Visitors are given guidance in steps they can take to provide minimum impacts on the sensitive ecosystems of this park. Numbers of visitors is less than 1500 annually and has been generally constant. There is no expectation that there will be significant increases in visitor numbers in the future. Camping visitors in the back country are encouraged and educated on minimum camping impacts with the sense of leaving a site as if never attended.
 

5e Number of inhabitants within property, buffer zone
There is one community inside the park. Garden River is an Aboriginal community located seven kilometres inside Wood Buffalo National Park in the south-west corner of the park. This community and an area around it are destined to be excised out of the park and set aside as a reserve for the Little Red River Cree First Nation. Parks Canada and Garden River have cooperatively worked together over the years to minimize any negative environmental impacts on the park.

Local residents have traditional hunting and trapping rights within the park: limits have been set and adhered to over time. The populations of moose and fur bearing animals are at healthy levels given the topography of this area.

The creation of a winter road between the aboriginal community of Fort Chipewyan (population 1200) on the south-east side of the park and the aboriginal community of Garden River (population 400) on the south-west corner of the park was included in the latest park management plan. That proposal is being currently considered. The proposal has gone through the environmental review process and measures to mitigate potential impacts and maintain ecological integrity have been put forward as requirements for the project. It is uncertain at this time whether construction will proceed but the conditions imposed on that construction will maintain the integrity of the park.
 

5f Other
Not applicable.
 

6 MONITORING

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONITORING PROPERTY
6a Formal monitoring program
There is a formal monitoring program established for the site.
Description of formal monitoring program
There are currently monitoring programs at Wood Buffalo National Park focussing on:

• bison population dynamics
• peregrine falcon population dynamics
• moose population dynamics
• whooping crane population dynamics
• weather
• Peace-Athabasca Delta Floods
• Peace-Athabasca Delta vegetation change
• breeding bird surveys
• water quality
• timber berth 408 vegetation change
• garter snake population dynamics
• plant phenology
• anthrax outbreaks
• bison free zone monitoring
• fire mapping utilizing vegetation
• Canadian toad population size
• Benchmark creek vegetation renewal

To ensure scientific consistency and accuracy, these monitoring projects are implemented in partnership or cooperatively with the following: Department of Environment, Ducks Unlimited, University of Alberta, University of Calgary, BC Hydro, Government of Northwest Territories (Renewable Resources and Economic Development), Province of Alberta (Sustainable Resource Development), Energy, Mines and Resources, Canadian Defence (DRES), United States military (USRMD), Little Red River Cree First Nation, University of Saskatchewan, and Canadian Forestry Service.

Wood Buffalo National Park is participating in the national park system-wide project to redesign park ecological integrity monitoring and reporting programs. Over the next five years, the monitoring and reporting programs will be strengthened and made more rigorous and consistent. Data collected through the monitoring programs will be reported through a State of the Park Report for Wood Buffalo every five years and as part of the national State of Protected Heritage Areas Report every two years.
 

KEY INDICATORS FOR MEASURING STATE OF CONSERVATION
6b Agreed upon key indicators
No key indicators for measuring the state of conservation of the site's World Heritage values have been agreed upon.
Future development of key indicators
There is currently no plan to identify indicators specifically linked to the World Heritage values of the park.
 

RESULTS OF PREVIOUS REPORTING EXERCISES
6c State Party actions in response to World Heritage Committee recommendations
In 1989, 1991 and 1992, the Committee had concerns about disease within the bison herd of the park, logging operations in the park and a number of development activities on the Peace and Athabasca Rivers upstream from the park (expansion of pulp mills, logging operations, and dam construction resulting in water pollution and loss of water quality, changes in the flooding regime and gradual drying up of the Athabasca Delta). At that time, Canada implemented a Bison Management Program and launched negotiations with the logging companies in a bid to terminate logging before the logging permits expired. Further, Canada undertook a multi-year study of the Peace-Athabasca basin and activities affecting water quality. Logging has since been terminated in the park. Disease within the bison herd is an ongoing and complex issue not only in Wood Buffalo National Park but in northern Canada. Parks Canada and other government agencies in partnership are developing a strategy to address the issue of disease management in Northern Canada. Parks Canada continues to be vigilant with respect to development in the Peace-Athabasca basin and participates in external planning processes to safeguard the values and integrity of Wood Buffalo National Park.

In 2002 and 2003, the Committee expressed concerns about the potential development of a winter road in the park. The proposal has been subjected to environmental impact review and a number of measures, intended to mitigate potential impacts, have been identified as conditions of approval. The general conditions for construction approval of the winter road in conjunction with the environmental process address those concerns raised by the Committee in 2002 and 2003.
 

7 CONCLUSIONS

WORLD HERITAGE VALUES
7a Main conclusions regarding the state of the property's World Heritage Values
Wood Buffalo National Park continues to protect the values for which it was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The self-perpetuating boreal plains fauna and flora, Wood Buffalo's size and its virtual intactness support the park's inscription as a World Heritage Site under criteria ii, iii and iv. Its vast spaciousness and wilderness are truly symbols of northern Canada which are becoming rare and a precious world resource. It continues to be an outstanding example of ongoing processes active in a biological evolution of the boreal biome. Any changes to the site have been consistent with the criteria of the inscription. The new park management plan will continue to protect the values for which it was inscribed.
 

MANAGEMENT AND FACTORS AFFECTING SITE
7b Main conclusions regarding the management of and factors affecting the property
Wood Buffalo National Park's biodiversity, its seemingly endless borders and its array of unique bioregions from boreal forest to the salt plains to savannas to unique karst formations make it an ecosystem of world renowned status. Rapid and diverse changes around such a large landscape are presenting many new challenges to Wood Buffalo National Park. The park is adapting to these changes by updating the park management plan to address the external and internal ecological impacts. The Wood Buffalo National Park Game Regulations are being modified to reflect more current pressures in resource management. The ecology of wildlife disease is being incorporated in a more significant role for the future of the management decisions of the park.

The recent changes in land use and development adjacent to the park, although remaining a concern, are being addressed through partnerships of management boards and through new research that benefits both ecological integrity and adjacent industry needs.

The park is seeking a more cooperative approach to management with all the local Aboriginal communities as meaningful partners.
 

PROPOSED FUTURE ACTION(S)
7c Approved future actions
Wood Buffalo National Park's Aboriginal history is one of the cornerstones for the involvement of the Aboriginal communities in a more meaningful management participation of the park. Staffing will be predominantly from local Aboriginal groups. Traditional ecological knowledge will be integrated into the ecological monitoring strategy and into the continuation of the harvesting practices. Training will be fundamental to development of those local Aboriginal staff. The approach to meaningful cooperative management of the park with local Aboriginal groups is a consensus based model which continues to uphold the ecological integrity of this park. The updating of the park management plan and the revision of the game regulations will further support the protection of the ecological integrity of this vast boreal biome. The World Heritage Site status will be further supported through the local Aboriginal communities' traditional ecological knowledge and its incorporation into the park's values.
 

RESPONSIBLE IMPLEMENTING AGENCY(IES)
7d Agency(ies) responsible for implementing actions

Agency Name: Parks Canada
Name: Weninger, Josie
Title: Field Unit Superintendent, Southwest Northwest Territories Field Unit
Address: Box 750
City: Fort Smith, Northwest Territories
Postal Code: X0E 0P0
Telephone: 867 872-7943
Fax Number: 867 872-3910
Email: woodbuffaloinfo@pc.gc.ca
 

TIMEFRAME FOR IMPLEMENTATION
7e Timeline for implementation of actions
The park management plan and game regulations will be updated by 2008.
 

NEEDS FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE
7f Anticipated Requests for International Assistance
It is not anticipated that International Assistance, through the World Heritage Fund, will be requested.
 

ACTIONS STATE PARTY INTENDS TO REQUEST FROM WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE
7g Potential Decisions for the World Heritage Committee

• Proposed new Statement of Significance, where previously missing
• Change boundaries or buffer zone