At this critical moment to save nature, we need all departments to act

Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse is one of the most urgent threats facing our country, according to a new Government of Canada report released in April. The report warns that failure to address the crisis is putting our supply of clean air, water, and food, and the health and well-being of all Canadians in jeopardy. This could lead to major economic losses and instability, with industries like fishing, farming, and logging that depend on healthy land and ocean particularly hard hit. This warning should not come as a surprise. For years, scientists have been raising the alarm about our ongoing destruction of nature, made worse by the growing climate crisis. And now these impacts are hitting home. This spring, wildfires have already returned to Western Canada. Communities are being forced to evacuate their homes in search of safety while smoke descends on neighbouring provinces. People’s lives are being upended as they have only recently begun to recover from the pandemic. Housing insurance rates have spiked as land becomes more prone to landslides, fires, and floods. Never before has there been such an obvious need for action. And as the federal government puts the final touches on a new national strategy to save nature, never has there been such a big opportunity to get on track towards a better future for generations to come. This strategy emerges from COP15, a global biodiversity conference held in Montreal in December 2022. Here, Canada’s leaders played a critical role in landing an ambitious plan to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030: the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. They deserve kudos for this. Adopted by 196 countries, the framework includes commitments to a comprehensive suite of actions to stop nature loss. A global plan, however, is only as good as its implementation at home. Next, countries are required to create a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan before this fall’s follow-up global meeting in Colombia. Since COP15, Environment and Climate Change Canada has been leading discussions with other federal departments, provinces and territories, Indigenous knowledge holders, NGOs, and others to develop Canada’s strategy. This strategy is expected to be tabled soon, along with a new law to enhance government accountability for its implementation. The federal government has taken some positive steps in recent years, including committing to protect at least 30 per cent of land and ocean by 2030, making historic investments, and supporting Indigenous-led conservation. This provides a solid foundation to build on, but much more is needed. Canadians are depending on all departments, at all levels of government, to be part of the solution. Fisheries and Oceans Canada must make sure biodiversity protection is part of fully implemented ecosystem-based fisheries management. Natural Resources Canada must find ways to align its mining and forestry policies and investments with the goal of reversing nature’s decline by 2030. The same for the departments of Agriculture, and Infrastructure. Forthcoming policies like the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy, and Adaptive and Climate-resilient Fisheries Strategy offer potential opportunities. Central agencies must play a leadership role in fulfilling the promises made in Montreal. We need the Finance Department to recognize the value of healthy nature, as well as the enormous cost of inaction. This means prioritizing long-term investments and support for Indigenous-led initiatives. Reforming subsidies that harm nature to support nature-positive actions can contribute to filling the investment gap. Evidence shows that saving nature would help not hinder our economy. Transforming food systems through regenerative agriculture and nature protection could result in trillions of dollars of new commercial opportunities globally. Indigenous-led conservation models show a significant return on investment, while advancing reconciliation goals. Restoring biodiverse ecosystems can reduce risks of flooding and wildfires. As Canada’s National Biodiversity Strategy is finalized, we—on behalf of 13 national environmental NGOs—are calling on all federal departments to help fulfill the crucial promises made in Montreal just over a year ago, and for the new nature accountability law to make sure they do. Status-quo thinking will not save the planet. Canada helped land an ambitious strategy to save nature around the world. Now it’s time for an ambitious and effective strategy to save nature at home. David Browne is conservation director of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Elizabeth Hendriks is vice-president, restoration and regeneration, at World Wildlife Fund Canada. Akaash Maharaj is the policy director at Nature Canada. Alison Woodley is senior strategic adviser at Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. The Hill Times

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At this critical moment to save nature, we need all departments to act

Canadians are depending on all departments, at all levels of government, to be part of the solution.

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