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Variations
"True or False" Activity
This "True or False" activity can be used with Module 1 (pages 1.8 and
1.9 of the Participants Workbook) which presents some of the Canada National
Parks Act legislation that relates to ecological integrity. This activity
encourages participants to actively discuss the legislation.
Usually our participants read the quote on page 1.8 and together we
identify and clarify key phrases. Then they read the quotes on page 1.9
and we allow time for questions and summarizing the last lengthy quote.
Introduction and directions
- This activity was adapted from a presentation given by Charlie Zinkan,
Executive Director, Mountain Parks to the Ecosystem Secretariat Managers
and Chief Park Wardens in a workshop in February, 2001. (It is important
to identify the originator so that you can still be the facilitator,
not the author. This allows you to discuss the answers, rather than
being responsible for them.)
- Work in small groups. Please decide which statements your group believes
are true or false.
- Ecological integrity is a concept and difficult to define.
- Ecological integrity is enshrined in the Act. Human use is not.
- Parks Canada has a dual mandate.
- Maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity must now be
given first priority in all park decision making.
The facilitator can then note the different groups' answers on a flipchart.
e.g.
| Answers |
| Statement# |
group 1 |
group 2 |
group 3 |
group 4 |
| 1 |
T |
F |
T |
T |
| 2 |
F |
F |
F |
F |
| 3 |
F |
T |
T |
T |
| 4 |
T |
T |
F |
F |
Discussion
According to Mr. Zinkan, all statements are false. Here are his notes
regarding each statement:
- Ecological integrity is a concept and difficult to define.
"Ecological Integrity" is defined in the Act.
(See page 1.8 of the Participants Workbook. This "True or False" statement
may serve as a reminder that if there is uncertainty as to what is meant
by "ecological integrity", the Canada National Parks Act defines it.)
- Ecological integrity is enshrined in the Act. Human use is not.
Human use is enshrined in the 'dedication clause'.
(See the first quote from the Canada National Parks Act on page 1.9
of the Participants Workbook e.g., "dedicated to the people of Canada
for their benefit, education, and enjoyment", "shall be maintained and
made use of".)
- Parks Canada has a dual mandate.
It is an integrated strategy and mandate. Ecological integrity is the
means of integrating visitor enjoyment today and passing on the same
or better to future generations. If EI wins, people win, today & in
the future, but people must see it that way!
- Maintenance and restoration of ecological integrity must now be given
first priority in all park decision making.
The Act does not say "maintenance and restoration". It says maintenance
"or" restoration.
The use of the word "or" is intentional and recognizes that restoration
is only appropriate in some situations. For example, full restoration
of the Banff-Bow Valley is not possible, but critical restoration of wildlife
corridors around the Town of Banff is possible.
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