A recent study published in Nature Communications by researchers from McGill University highlights the importance of national strategies in achieving Canada’s commitment to conserving 30 percent of its land and water by 2030. The study reveals that existing protected lands in Canada do not adequately safeguard Canadian species, with only around 15 percent of vertebrates, plants, and butterflies being represented in these areas.
The good news is that if Canada can secure the 30 percent of land that is most crucial for biodiversity, over 65 percent of all species could be protected. However, the success of this endeavor depends on the coordination of protection efforts across the country. The study suggests that a national strategy, prioritizing the protection of land with the highest biodiversity value, can yield significant conservation gains.
On the other hand, regional strategies, where each province and territory protects 30 percent of their land, or protecting 30 percent of each ecozone, hinder the ability to preserve biodiversity in future protected areas. In fact, spreading future protected areas evenly across Canada would result in the loss of a quarter of all biodiversity in the country, equivalent to more than 1,000 species.
These findings emphasize the importance of collaboration and coordination in establishing new protected areas that prioritize Canada’s rich biodiversity. The study highlights the challenges and rewards of conservation planning across different scales and stresses the need for national strategies informed by biodiversity science.
The implications of this research go beyond Canada. It has the potential to shape the conservation strategies of nations worldwide. The study’s main message is the significance of national strategies, based on scientific understanding of biodiversity, in establishing new protected areas. National strategies offer numerous benefits, including optimizing the protection of biodiversity, bringing together regional actors towards a common goal, identifying cross-jurisdictional synergies such as large-scale conservation corridors, and streamlining the tracking and reporting process for international targets.
As countries embark on their journey towards achieving the 30 x 30 goal, it is crucial to consider the trade-offs associated with different conservation approaches. Understanding these trade-offs is essential for effectively protecting biodiversity and potentially securing the future of life on Earth.
In summary, the study underscores the need for Canada to prioritize national strategies in conserving 30 percent of its land and water by 2030. This approach can maximize the preservation of biodiversity, empower collaboration among different stakeholders, and contribute to the global effort of meeting international conservation targets. By adopting science-informed strategies and coordinating protection efforts, Canada can play a leading role in safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
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