Summit Highlights

Canada is in a biodiversity crisis. All of our ecosystems are in decline. Habitat loss, climate change, pollution and unsustainable harvest are some of the leading factors. There are over 700 species at risk and improvements for species are as a result of us finding more of them not bolstering existing populations through recovery strategies. We have yet to fully meet any of the 20 targets set out by Convention on Biological Diversity that are to be achieved by 2020.

Our current conservation efforts are clearly not enough. We need to do more. As issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss affect a larger landscape and number of species than one specific area, we need to establish broader, more connected large landscape-scale planning and networks and work to implement conservation action at the local level.

MAKING CONSERVATION RELEVANT

Canada is becoming more diverse, with a growing number of visible minorities and Indigenous Peoples. Moreover, Millennials are becoming a dominant demographic. While many people want to be engaged, they are not clear on what they can do for conservation. A new approach is needed that resonates more clearly with the broader population and empowers them to help protect nature.

BUILDING NEW PARTNERSHIPS

In order to improve how we do conservation in Canada, we need to establish greater capacity by adopting approaches that involve multiple stakeholders from individuals to industry to governments. Partnerships are key to establishing trust, incorporating objectivity and finding common ground to resolve challenges. Ensuring that we have inclusive and proactive coalitions with Canada’s Indigenous Peoples will lead to a greater knowledge about the history of our landscapes, what’s needed to protect them and our connection to the natural world.

NEW WAYS OF FINANCING CONSERVATION

Financing is a challenging part of conservation work, but it is critical. Government, private investors, conservation organizations and citizens should see economic benefits of conservation. Although possible, it is not a simple task to reach conservation milestones without sufficient funding from various sources. Joining together with other organizations to create new funding could provide greater opportunities for success.