The Full Report

The Issues: Wild species and spaces

Few places in the world can still boast the kinds of wild spaces – and wild species – that can be found from coast to coast in Canada. But in the face of rapidly accelerating climate change and pressure to expand resource development, we need to move fast to secure this natural legacy. These forests and wild lands have been called "the Fort Knox of carbon storage" thanks to their vast carbon reserves and they must be protected through a strong system of national parks and other protected areas to prevent any further acceleration of global warming.

Canada's globally important boreal forest is already experiencing the stress of global warming, including thawing permafrost, reduced tree growth and survival, and increased incidence of fire and insect damage. Industrial resource extraction activities like logging and oil-and-gas exploration exacerbate these impacts. Protecting intact forests is an effective way to reduce stress on species and maintain the important ecological services these forests provide, including clean air and water. In fact, one of the best ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change on wild places and species is to protect large networks of intact wilderness areas that can protect a diversity of habitat types and provide opportunities for species movement.

Recent federal governments have made important progress in establishing and expanding national parks, including Gulf Islands, Nahanni, and Torngat Mountains, but these areas need full legislated protection as soon as possible. Land withdrawals in the Northwest Territories for a national park on the East Arm of Great Slave Lake and a National Wildlife Area in the Rampart River and Wetlands (Ts'ude niline Tu'eyeta) have also helped to demonstrate a farsighted approach to protecting intact wild areas before new resource extraction activities are considered. But these areas also require quick legislated follow through and a long-term commitment to proper stewardship.

Most importantly, we need to seize the opportunity to create a "Conservation First" planning framework for the still wild expanses of our northern boreal forests and northern territories, particularly the Mackenzie Valley, while we still can. These places represent our last chance to "get it right" by addressing rights of aboriginal people, community interests, conservation concerns and wildlife survival needs before introducing industrial activities where appropriate.

Another key federal role is protecting species at risk. Enactment of the federal Species at Risk Act in 2002 was an important step forward, but implementation has, so far, been ineffective. A reinvigorated effort to effectively protect all listed species by mapping and protecting their habitat and implementing recovery plans is needed.

Canada's rich forests, vast wetlands and other natural habitats are crucial breeding grounds for many migratory birds and the federal government is directly responsible for migratory bird conservation under the Migratory Bird Convention Act. Renewed investments in migratory bird conservation are required to reverse recent cuts to these globally important activities. Funding for National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries must be increased substantially. Similarly, the Canadian Wildlife Service needs the resources to properly carry out its job of protecting wildlife from coast to coast.

Invasive alien species are a growing threat to Canadian wildlife and habitats as well as the economy. Examples include purple loosestrife, zebra mussel, brown spruce long-horned beetle, and Asian long-horned beetle. Climate change has the potential to exacerbate invasions of alien species. The federal government needs to take stronger action to block this ongoing invasion.

And with scientific studies now drawing a clear link between mental and physical health and access to green spaces, we need to also protect nature close to home in urban areas and provide more opportunities for time outdoors and contact with nature for children.

Canada's Wild Species and Spaces Action Agenda:

Immediately announce that Canada will protect its boreal and arctic ecosystems by establishing interconnected networks of protected areas and implementing regional land-use plans in the Northwest Territories before approving any large-scale industrial projects, including the Mackenzie Gas Project. Canada should set a goal of protecting a minimum of 50 percent of its intact wild areas as part of comprehensive land-use planning initiatives for intact areas.
By 2010, complete Canada's system of national parks, and ensure their long-term ecological integrity
By 2009, implement a pricing mechanism that places an adequate value on carbon stored in intact ecosystems. This will simultaneously strengthen biodiversity conservation and climate protection.
By 2009 announce a funded plan to complete and manage Canada's network of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, including updating its legal and policy framework.
Immediately accelerate implementation of the Species at Risk Act by implementing recovery strategies and action plans in 2008 for all species listed before 2007. Ensure inclusion of critical habitat maps and precautionary management actions in all recovery plans, and amend the Act to require mandatory habitat protection for species at risk on federal lands.
Immediately reverse funding cuts to the Migratory Birds Program of the Canadian Wildlife Service.
In 2008, implement, with adequate funding, Canada's Invasive Alien Species Strategy.
In 2008, announce a federal initiative to reconnect children with nature by providing outdoor natural experiences for all children in grades 4 to 6.

For further information:

Greenpeace Canada (2007) Consuming the Boreal Forest: The Chain of Destruction from Logging Companies to Consumers
David Suzuki Foundation (2007) Left off the List: A Profile of Marine and Northern Species Denied Listing under Canada's Species at Risk Act
Environmental Defence (2004) Next Stop, Extinction: A Report Card on the failure of Canadian governments to save endangered species
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (2007) Recommendations for a Federal Nature Conservation Action Plan
Nature Canada (2006) Species at Risk Act: Three Years Later
Pembina Institute (2005) Counting Canada's Natural Capital: Assessing the Real Value of Canada's Boreal Ecosystems
Nature Canada (2004) Wildlife in Crisis

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