Réserve de territoire aux fins d’aire protégée
Rivière-George-Nord
The Gouvernement du Québec approved the designation of the Réserve de territoire aux fins d’aire protégée de la Rivière-George-Nord following the submission in the fall of 2020 of a joint brief from the Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. The legally protected status contemplated for this territory is that of a “biodiversity reserve,” which is governed by the Natural Heritage Conservation Act.
Geographical location, boundaries and dimensions
- Location: Nunavik, Nord-du-Québec
- Natural provinces: Northern Labrador Highlands (L)
- Natural regions: Upper George Plateau (L04); Lower George Plateau (L05)
- Territorial zone represented: Torngat Highlands
- Area: 3 162 km2
- Map (
PDF, 422 Kb)
Brief description
The Réserve de territoire aux fins d’aire protégée de la Rivière-George-Nord covers part of the caribou calving grounds north of the 52nd parallel. It is a vital habitat for the George River migratory woodland caribou, which is experiencing significant decline. It includes part of an important subsistence area for the Kangiqsualujjuaq Inuit. This territorial reserve for protected area purposes would also enhance the connectivity of the network of protected areas since it juxtaposes the Réserve de territoire aux fins d’aire protégée de la Rivière-George, designated in 2008. Given its proximity to the George River, this territorial reserve for protected area purposes offers some tourism potential, especially for fishing.
Protection measures applied in the territory
No natural resource exploration or exploitation activity (mining, energy and forests) is allowed in the territory of the territorial reserve for protected area purposes. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks will ensure the maintenance of the administrative and legal provisions that their prohibition requires.
