C-61.01 - Natural Heritage Conservation Act

Section 1 Disposition versions

2021-03-19

1. The purpose of this Act is to ensure the conservation of Québec’s natural heritage and of the associated values.

More specifically, the Act is intended

(1)  to facilitate the expansion of the network of areas covered by conservation measures in Québec and the efficient management of protected areas;

(2)  to allow citizens as well as local and Aboriginal communities to become more involved in the conservation of biodiversity, in particular in the creation and management of protected areas; and

(3)  to ensure that the various government departments and bodies that assume biodiversity conservation-related responsibilities collaborate in the selection, designation and management of protected areas.

The conservation measures provided for by this Act, including protected areas, constitute a set of measures intended to ensure the maintenance of Québec’s natural heritage and of the ecosystems it comprises, in particular their protection, ecological restoration and sustainable use.

2002, c. 74, s. 1; 2017, c. 14, s. 12; 2021, c. 1, s. 3.

2017-06-16

1. The object of this Act is to contribute to the objective of safeguarding the character, diversity and integrity of Québec’s natural heritage through measures to conserve its biological diversity and the life-sustaining elements of natural settings, in particular to meet the needs of present and future generations.

More specifically, the Act is intended to facilitate the establishment of a network of protected areas representative of biodiversity by introducing conservation measures for natural settings that complete existing measures, including the assigning of protection status to certain areas under the responsibility of other government departments, government bodies or regional authorities.

In addition, the Act promotes conservation of wetlands and bodies of water and achievement of no net loss of such settings. They constitute very important ecosystems due to their fundamental ecological functions, in particular to regulate water flow during flooding or drought and to fight climate change.

The conservation measures provided for by this Act, including protected areas, constitute a set of measures designed to maintain the natural heritage and the ecosystems it comprises, in particular through their preservation, protection, restoration and sustainable use.

2002, c. 74, s. 1; 2017, c. 14, s. 12.

2002-12-19

1. The object of this Act is to contribute to the objective of safeguarding the character, diversity and integrity of Québec’s natural heritage through measures to protect its biological diversity and the life-sustaining elements of natural settings.

More specifically, the Act is intended to facilitate the establishment of a network of protected areas representative of biodiversity by introducing protection measures for natural settings that complete existing measures, including the assigning of protection status to certain areas under the responsibility of other government departments or bodies.

2002, c. 74, s. 1.