In 2015, Canada adopted the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada, putting into action the federal government's commitment to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, committed to in 2010. Target 1 states that “by 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water, and 10% of marine and coastal areas of Canada are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based measures.”
In 2010, 9% of Canada’s landscape was protected and since then, we've moved the needle 1.6% to roughly 10.6%. Although progress has been slow, some promising work has been done in the last year: The Pathway to Target 1, a nationwide coordination effort, was launched with input from federal and provincial government ministers, Indigenous leaders, academia, youth, environmental groups and more.
How is New Brunswick doing? New Brunswick is behind the rest of the country, with only 4.7% protected, but the provincial government, private land owners, and Indigenous communities are working together to help New Brunswick meet Canada Target 1. We all know the broad benefit land conservation efforts can provide. New Brunswick’s beautiful wilderness has so much to offer in terms of ecosystem services including clean water, fresh air, healthy wildlife habitat, and ecotourism opportunities. By developing management plans that protect the landscape, we can achieve better biodiversity conservation which creates ripple effects including sustainable communities, economic development, and a sense of pride of place.
Land conservation can also help achieve Canada's goals for reconciliation with First Nation peoples by recognizing the importance of Indigenous governance and sustainable management of the resources that exist on their
traditional territories.
The Indigenous Circle of Experts are playing a key role in the leadership of Pathway to Target 1 across the country. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas are a form of Indigenous-led land and water protection that represent long-term commitment to conservation, and elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities.
The UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve is working with local Indigenous and non-indigenous communities, regional agencies, and the provincial and federal government to support the Pathway to Target 1 goals and to help protect land and conserve biodiversity for generations to come.
Written by Ashlyn Brownell. To learn more about conservation in New Brunswick and Canada, explore conservation2020canada.ca and the Canadian Parks
How is New Brunswick doing? New Brunswick is behind the rest of the country, with only 4.7% protected, but the provincial government, private land owners, and Indigenous communities are working together to help New Brunswick meet Canada Target 1. We all know the broad benefit land conservation efforts can provide. New Brunswick’s beautiful wilderness has so much to offer in terms of ecosystem services including clean water, fresh air, healthy wildlife habitat, and ecotourism opportunities. By developing management plans that protect the landscape, we can achieve better biodiversity conservation which creates ripple effects including sustainable communities, economic development, and a sense of pride of place.
Land conservation can also help achieve Canada's goals for reconciliation with First Nation peoples by recognizing the importance of Indigenous governance and sustainable management of the resources that exist on their
traditional territories.
The Indigenous Circle of Experts are playing a key role in the leadership of Pathway to Target 1 across the country. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas are a form of Indigenous-led land and water protection that represent long-term commitment to conservation, and elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities.
The UNESCO-designated Fundy Biosphere Reserve is working with local Indigenous and non-indigenous communities, regional agencies, and the provincial and federal government to support the Pathway to Target 1 goals and to help protect land and conserve biodiversity for generations to come.
Written by Ashlyn Brownell. To learn more about conservation in New Brunswick and Canada, explore conservation2020canada.ca and the Canadian Parks
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