TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY TO CANADA
A CONSTANTLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT
STRATEGIES FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY BIODIVERSITY?
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
Adopting effective strategies for biodiversity conservation sounds like a daunting challenge, but it is really just another stage in the evolution of our view of our relationship with the natural world. While there are, of course, areas in which biodiversity is severely threatened in Canada (see Figure #1), Canada has an enviable track record in conservation. And, due to our size and our relatively small population, we still have tremendous opportunities to conserve biodiversity that are not available to other countries.
The conservation movement in Canada began more than a century ago. Early conservationists were motivated by the beauty of natural regions or by concern over the decimation of species such as bison. In 1909 representatives of Canada, Newfoundland, the United States and Mexico met at the first North American Conservation Conference and declared "We agree that the conservation of these (natural) resources is indispensable for the continued prosperity of each Nation." Since then, federal and provincial governments have enacted a comprehensive and ever more stringent series of laws and regulations designed to ensure the conservation of natural resources. Canada also boasts one of the best and most extensive systems of protected areas in the world and has pledged to increase this system considerably by the turn of the century. Many disappearing species, such as muskox and the white pelican, have recovered to the point where they are no longer in danger.
Although demand for our natural resources continues to increase, the management practices of industry have continuously improved as a result of public concern, technological advances and greater understanding of the impact our activities are having on the natural environment. Private landowners also contribute to the provision of a range of environmental benefits to society through sound stewardship, often at their own expense. One of the major threats to biodiversity is the massive conversion of natural habitat to agricultural lands, however much of this conversion occurred over a century ago. Should today's farmers be blamed for the state of biodiversity on their lands or congratulated because many of the species threatened by agricultural development are still with us? Programs to remove marginal lands from agricultural production, restore wetlands and improve agricultural practices rely on and have received the cooperation and support of landowners across Canada.
Efforts to arrest further degradation of ecosystems and the loss of species, and conserve biodiversity, thus benefit from a long history of success and an extensive base of support from governments, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. Biodiversity conservation is the latest step in a century long journey of discovery in which Canada and Canadians have continually taken the steps necessary to ensure that the ecological, economic, cultural and social benefits of our abundant natural resources will be enjoyed by future generations.