15. LIFE ON LAND

Canada Unveils Comprehensive Biodiversity Strategy to Combat Nature Loss

Canada Unveils Comprehensive Biodiversity Strategy to Combat Nature Loss
Written by ZJbTFBGJ2T

Canada Unveils Comprehensive Biodiversity Strategy to Combat Nature Loss  Environment+Energy Leader

Canada Unveils Comprehensive Biodiversity Strategy to Combat Nature Loss

A Roadmap for Biodiversity and Indigenous Inclusion

Canada has taken a significant step forward in its environmental commitment by releasing the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Nature Accountability Act by Environment and Climate Change Canada. This initiative aims to fulfill the country’s obligations under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) while promoting Indigenous leadership in conservation efforts.

Key Points:

  • Canada releases the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Nature Accountability Act.
  • The NBSAP aims to reverse the decline of at-risk species, restore habitats, and protect ecosystems.
  • Indigenous perspectives are crucial for achieving biodiversity goals.

The NBSAP serves as a detailed guide to reversing the decline of at-risk species in Canada, addressing the urgent need for habitat restoration and ecosystem protection. Elizabeth Hendriks, Vice President of Restoration and Regeneration at WWF-Canada said, “The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan is essentially a map for how we can get from where we are now – a country where at-risk species continue to decline despite interventions – to a future where we’re on track to reverse the loss of nature and wildlife while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are pleased to see that many of WWF-Canada’s recommendations have been adopted in the plan, including centering Indigenous-led conservation and aligning actions across government departments. We look forward to working with stakeholders across society to ensure that impact is seen on the ground for communities and nature.”

Key to this strategy is a whole-of-society approach, engaging Indigenous perspectives alongside provincial and territorial efforts. This inclusion is vital to achieving the framework’s goals, especially in light of the increasing severity of climate-related events such as wildfires, droughts, and floods, which are exacerbating biodiversity loss.

Legislating Action Through the Nature Accountability Act

By simultaneously introducing the Nature Accountability Act, Canada ensures that the commitments outlined in the NBSAP are backed by legislative action. This act is designed to future-proof the nation’s biodiversity goals, mandating regular progress reviews and accountability measures and underscoring Canada’s dedication to national environmental resilience as well as international agreements like the Kunming-Montreal Agreement and the Paris Accord.

The act’s provisions include establishing clear, actionable targets for 2030 and beyond, including reducing human-induced extinction risks, enhancing ecosystem integrity, and ensuring equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources. These measures are intended to align with global efforts while tailoring solutions to Canada’s unique ecological and socio-economic contexts.

Global Framework and National Impact

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, finalized at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, sets ambitious goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030. These include conserving 30% of terrestrial and marine areas, managing the sustainable use of biodiversity, and reducing pollution and invasive species impacts.

Canada’s NBSAP aligns with this global framework, integrating targets such as participatory biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning, effective management of high-biodiversity areas, and enhancing ecosystem resilience through nature-based solutions. The plan also addresses financial gaps, aiming to mobilize substantial resources through innovative funding mechanisms like green bonds and payment for ecosystem services.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 15: Life on Land Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. Indicator: The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) aims to reverse the decline of at-risk species in Canada and address the urgent need for habitat restoration and ecosystem protection.
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. Indicator: The NBSAP and the Nature Accountability Act aim to align with global efforts to combat climate change and promote Indigenous-led conservation.
SDG 14: Life Below Water Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans. Indicator: The NBSAP aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s target of conserving 30% of marine areas.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Target 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes. Indicator: The NBSAP aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of inland freshwater ecosystems.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals Target 17.14: Enhance policy coherence for sustainable development. Indicator: The NBSAP and the Nature Accountability Act aim to align actions across government departments and engage Indigenous perspectives alongside provincial and territorial efforts.

Source: environmentenergyleader.com

 

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