The Yukon government in Canada has unveiled a new wetlands policy, which leaders say will help steward some of the most ecologically-sensitive areas the territory has, CBC News reports.

The policy document sets guardrails for how development operates in and around wetlands, which include fens, bogs and marshes.

Environment Minister Nils Clarke said the policy is intentionally broad, covering all sectors and any land disposition that can affect wetlands

"I hope to see broader adoption of the principles set out within this policy that will help achieve clear and consistent decision-making for all human activities in wetlands," he said.

The policy has four central guidelines. Any development that could affect wetlands is best avoided by, among other things, either moving the project elsewhere or cancelling it altogether, the policy states. If that cannot happen, sectors need to minimize impacts through modification — for instance, reducing levels of pollution. Then, reclamation work would be the next step.

If development permanently damages wetlands to the degree they cannot be restored, the policy states "additional mitigation measures to offset losses may be required," adding this should only be an option when all others have been exhausted.