May 24, 2023, traditional unceded Algonquin Territory/Ottawa, Ontario — A report released by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) finds that a majority of jurisdictions in Canada have made contributions to the protection of 30% of land and ocean by 2030 in the last two years, with a few exceptions where minimal progress has been made. This report reinforces the urgent need for all levels of government to work together to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Canada, in collaboration with, and in support of, Indigenous peoples, and identifies key opportunities for nature protection in the coming years.

“Progress on protecting land and ocean is not linear, and it takes time to get all the pieces in place that will create the foundation for conservation gains moving forward,” says Sandra Schwartz, CPAWS National Executive Director. 

“Federal, provincial, and territorial governments each have a unique and important contribution to make in ensuring we can stop species decline and restore ecosystems by 2030. We’re encouraged to see many jurisdictions taking steps to build that foundation through new commitments, investments and on-the-ground actions, but we need all governments to acknowledge the urgency of this crisis,” she adds.

Canada has shown leadership by committing to protect at least 30% of land and ocean by 2030, which is a core component of the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The report, Building Momentum: A Progress Update on Canada’s Nature Protection Targets, tracks federal, provincial and territorial progress since the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society’s 2021 report card, to protect at least 30% of land and ocean by 2030.

“Canadians expect more than a C average in conservation,” said Alain Branchaud, biologist and executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Quebec chapter. “Reaching the 30% by 2030 target is realistic and essential for the future of the country. Protecting nature today means creating the winning conditions for harmonious economic development tomorrow.”

KEY FINDINGS

Federal, provincial and territorial governments have achieved varying degrees of progress since CPAWS’ 2021 Report Card, with some making ambitious commitments and advances over the past two years, and others making minimal progress. 

Jurisdictions with significant progress since 2021: 

• Federal Terrestrial (2021 grade: A-)
• Quebec (2021 grade: A-)
• Nova Scotia (2021 grade: B)
• The Yukon (2021 grade: B-)
• British Columbia (2021 grade: C)

Jurisdictions with some progress since 2021: 

• Federal Marine (2021 grade: B+)
• Northwest Territories (2021 grade: B+)
• New Brunswick (2021 grade: B-)
• Manitoba (2021 grade: C-)
• Newfoundland and Labrador (2021 grade: F)

Jurisdictions with minimal progress since 2021:

• Saskatchewan (2021 grade: D)
• Alberta (2021 grade: F)
• Ontario (2021 grade: F)

Nunavut and Prince Edward Island were not graded as CPAWS does not have chapter offices there.

All levels of government need to act urgently to halt and reverse biodiversity loss in Canada, in collaboration with and in support of Indigenous peoples. The conditions and opportunities exist for all jurisdictions to contribute to achieving the targets. The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society calls upon all levels of governments to close the gaps to protect at least 30% of land and ocean by 2030.