Gatineau – August 14, 2025 – Global Affairs Canada has determined that the proposed Sungai Gelam Peatland Restoration Initiative – FINCAPES Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

This determination was based on a consideration of the following factors: 

• community knowledge; 

• comments received from the public; and 

• technically and economically feasible mitigation measures. 

Mitigation measures taken into account for this determination are:  

• To prevent contamination from the use of materials to build canal bulkheads, the materials (sand, stone and PVC piping) will be sourced locally and no tropical hardwoods or wood preservatives will be used. Unused materials will be removed from the restoration area.   

• To avoid disturbances to river and land ecosystems, construction will be done manually in a narrow area. Vegetation on the right and left of the river will be identified, and they will be protected or moved during the construction phase and monitored following construction if there are protected species. 

• To mitigate the risk of injury during construction, workers will use safety systems and follow GOI employment regulations and standards.  

• To avoid habitat disturbance during construction, the construction area will be limited to 10 m2 and aquatic and riparian conditions will be monitored during the construction of the canal.  

• To avoid effects on downstream water levels, the canal blocks will regulate and maintain water levels and water tables in the surrounding peatlands, providing downstream communities with consistent water flows. 

• Restoring and nurturing various indigenous tree species is one of the main objectives of the restoration initiative. To ensure that all trees at the restoration site are preserved, the FINCAPES staff will engage with the organization contracted to undertake the canal-blocking and peatland restoration work.

• To ensure that no animal is harmed or used for any associated environmetal testing related to the initiative, FINCAPES staff, collaborating partners and contractors will, at all times, consciously work to protect and improve biodiversity in the project field locations. Dicussions with the contractors will highlight the importance of protecting trees and animals in the project area and contractors.

Global Affairs Canada is satisfied that that the carrying out of the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. 

Therefore, the University of Waterloo may carry out the project, exercise any power, perform any duty or function, or provide financial assistance to enable the project to be carried out in whole or in part.