IQALUIT - Nunavut's land use rules are "almost third-world" and the territory needs to get with the times, according to a director with the World Wildlife Fund.

The World Wildlife Fund is arguing that the territory is being too liberal with development, to the detriment of wildlife. An illustration of the Meadowbank gold mine near Baker Lake is seen above. - image courtesy of Cumberland Resources

"It's mostly the role of governments with communities to reflect what the people want and need for the long term in the form of well-balanced, specific land use plans," said Peter Ewins, the WWF's director of species conservation. "That doesn't exist right now."

Ewins gave the example of booming industrial development in the western Kitikmeot region, which he says is encroaching on key Bathurst and Bluenose caribou calving areas. The construction of mines and roads, combined with climate change, are likely behind a drop in herd numbers, he said.

He also cited the Mary River iron ore project near Pond Inlet. That proposed project could feature a 100-kilometre long railroad hauling ore to a port on Milne Inlet, where it could be shipped through a major habitat for narwhal. A second possible route would go through Steensby Inlet to the south.

But Milne and nearby Eclipse are also home to between one-third and half of the world's narwhal population.

"A few local leaders are signing the permits and the revenues go to (the federal government in) Ottawa," Ewins said.

But mines also mean jobs in communities that often need employment badly. Ewins said he's sympathetic with the potential upsides of development.

"It should be in balance with (the wishes of) those who want to continue to harvest and make that living," he said.

Harry Alookie, manager of the Nattivak Hunters and Trappers Association in Qikiqtarjuaq, said mining has an environmental impact, but he feels that wildlife is being protected. He sees a greater reliance on wildlife in eastern Nunavut and more mining in the west.

"I think it's pretty well balanced," he said. "We want future generations to enjoy these animals as well."

Joe Tigullaraq, chair of the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, said his agency, with other governments, is working on a caribou management plan that will protect calving grounds.Tigullaraq admits the NWMB has not been keeping a close eye on the impacts of mining on caribou grounds but said "we are fully aware of the number of exploration permits out there."

"There is a potential for disturbance or destruction of these calving grounds," he said.

Tigullaraq also said the existence of multiple agencies at both the federal and territorial level can both help and hinder conservation efforts.

"More than one mind always seems to work better, but...there are so many different players, and they're not communicating with each other," he said.