The Regional District Central Okanagan (RDCO) has recognized 25 regional parks as part of Canada鈥檚 national conservation network.

The announcement earned praise from Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault.

鈥淭hese areas also play an important role in biodiversity conservation across the country, and I want to commend the RDCO for embracing and supporting Canada鈥檚 conservation goals.鈥�

The 25 parks represent 21.1 square kilometres, larger than the City of Victoria, which are now included in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database.

鈥淭his national recognition of the large expanse of our natural parks showcases our commitment to addressing climate change while creating opportunities for people to connect with nature,鈥� said Loyal Wooldridge, RDCO Board Chair.

The RDCO parks system is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with 30 regional parks including more than 86 km of designated trails and 10 parks with lake access.

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