The City of Richmond has been awarded for its ongoing pollinator program that protects and conserves pollinator species and their habitats.
Richmond received the Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Award, in the over 100,000 population category, from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators (CAMA) on Wednesday.
This national award recognizes municipalities dedicated to environmental and sustainability excellence in projects, according to CAMA’s website.
“CAMA is pleased to recognize Richmond for the municipal excellence demonstrated by their City-wide Pollinator Program,” says Jack Benzaquen, president of CAMA.
“Their efforts to conserve pollinators and develop and protect their habitat set an example of how a land manager can be a leader through conscientious community programming, and meaningful community engagement. There is much that other municipalities can learn.”
Protecting pollinator species such as bees and butterflies are essential as there is evidence that they are declining due to “pressures of urban development,” says the City of Richmond in a media statement.
“Pollinators are paramount for a stable and thriving natural environment, which is known to improve the physical and mental health of residents,” reads the statement.
Richmond has designed and implemented over 10 pollinator-specific programs, free community workshops and planting initiatives and dedicated land to enhance pollinator habitats since 2015.
Pollinator-friendly plants have been incorporated into the city’s public works such as roadways, dikes and parks.
“Enhancing the city’s natural environment not only enriches the health and livability of our communities, it provides access to nature within Richmond’s urban neighbourhoods and supports our vibrant agricultural sector,” says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“The response to Council’s commitment to the pollinator program has been overwhelmingly positive, and we will continue to find new and innovative ways to protect and foster pollinator conservation throughout the city.”
