VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As governments look for long term solutions to seemingly intractable issues, such as mental health and the economy, a new report is highlighting the potential for nature to be at the centre of any COVID-19 recovery plan.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) released a report Wednesday morning that outlines parks and wilderness spaces as an advantage Canada already has. However, it also outlines how chronic underfunding has left the system in disrepair, especially in British Columbia.

“The current health pandemic has really demonstrated that parks and nature are an essential part of our health care system. They’re critical to reducing stress and improving wellbeing,” says Tori Ball, a terrestrial campaigner with CPAWS.

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