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Biodiversity & Species
Scientists believe that we are witnessing a global biodiversity crisis. It is estimated that the current rate of global species extinction is 1,000 to 10,000 times greater than natural. Visit the Government of Canada's Biodiversity web site |
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| 529 plant & animal species in Canada are identified by COSEWIC to be at risk, while a further 14 species are already extinct (source: COSEWIC, Canadian Species At Risk as of April 2006) 49 plant & animal species in Manitoba have been identified by COSEWIC to be at risk. No Manitoba Species have yet become extinct. The Manitoba Endangered Species Act only lists 28 species as endangered, threatened or extirpated. (source: Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Canadian Species At Risk as of April 2006) |
 Swainson's Hawk ©Ann Cook |
There are many other species at risk in Canada that have yet to be either identified or assessed by the Committee On The Status Of Endangered Wildlife In Canada (COSEWIC). |
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International |
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IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesThe IUCN Red List is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. It uses a set of criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies.
The overall aim of the Red List is to convey the urgency and scale of conservation problems to the public and policy makers, and to motivate the global community to try to reduce species extinctions.Visit the IUCN Red List webpage According to the 2007 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, there are now 41,415 species on the IUCN Red List and 16,306 of them are threatened with extinction, up from 16,118 last year. The total number of extinct species has reached 785 and a further 65 are only found in captivity or in cultivation. One in four mammals, one in eight birds, one third of all amphibians and 70% of the world's assessed plants on the 2007 IUCN Red List are in jeopardy. View the September 12, 2007 IUCN press release Migratory Birds ConventionIn 1916, Canada and the United States signed the Migratory Birds Convention in order to protect species of migratory birds common to both countries.View the Migratory Birds Convention Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
In 1974, Canada signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES regulates trade in over 30,000 species and subspecies of plants with the goal of eliminating their illegal trade. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)In 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Canada was one of the first countries to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The CBD sets out international commitments for protecting biodiversity. Canada's Biodiversity Strategy (1994) and identifies Canada's actions to fulfill the CBD.Under the CBD, governments undertake to conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. They are required to develop national biodiversity strategies and action plans, and to integrate these into broader national plans for environment and development. Visit the Convention on Biological Diversity web site In 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, 150 government leaders signed the CBD. As of April 2006, there are 188 Parties (countries) to the CBD, but 163 nationshave actually signed the Convention. There are annual reporting requirements for CBD countries. View the CBD web site for information about reporting requirements 
The Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity meet annually (these meetings are called Conventions of the Parties - COPs). The 2006 CBD COP was the eighth meeting of the parties to the CBD and took place in Curitiba, Brazil March 20-31st. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) provided daily reports and a summary of the CBD COP-8.Visit the CBD COP-8 web pages View the IISD's Earth Negotiations Bulletins for the CBD COP-8
In April 2002, at the 6th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), the Parties adopted decision VI/26. In that decision, the Conference of the Parties endorsed the Strategic Plan for the Convention, which commits Parties to a more effective and coherent implementation of the three objectives of the Convention and to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction of the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth. This target was subsequently endorsed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development. Visit CBD's 2010 Biodiversity Target web pages In decision VII/30, the Conference of the Parties to the CBD adopted a framework to facilitate the assessment of progress towards 2010 and communication of this assessment. Within this flexible framework, Parties were invited to set national and regional targets and identify indicators. The framework included seven focal areas:
During the opening session of the eighth meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Curitiba, Brazil on 20 March 2006, the Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 was launched. Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 assesses the current status and trends of biodiversity and the key drivers of biodiversity loss.Visit CBD's Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 web pages Essentially, Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 found that biodiversity is being lost at all levels globally:
 Download a summary of the Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 (PDF)View information on the main messages of Global Biodiversity Outlook 2 Source: Convention on Biodiversity
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) is an international work program designed to provide scientific information concerning consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and options for responding to those changes. The MA was launched by the United Nations June 2001 and completed March 2005. Visit the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment web site The MA focuses on ecosystem services (the benefits people obtain from ecosystems, like food, water, and climate regulation), how changes in these services have affected human well-being and how such changes may affect people in the future. It also focuses on possible responses at local, national, or global scales to improve ecosystem management and contribute to human well-being and alleviate poverty. The MA synthesizes information from the scientific literature, datasets, and scientific models, and includes knowledge held by the private sector, practitioners, local communities and indigenous peoples. Its assessments will also be useful in fulfilling various UN Conventions. All of the MA findings undergo rigorous peer review. More than 1,300 authors from 95 countries have been involved in four expert working groups preparing the global assessment, and hundreds more continue to undertake more than 20 sub-global assessments. Download the Ecosystem and Human Well-Being: General Synthesis Report (PDF)Essentially, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has found that human actions are depleting Earth's natural capital, putting such strain on the environment that the ability of the planet's ecosystems to sustain future generations can no longer be taken for granted. At the same time, the assessment shows that with appropriate actions it is possible to reverse the degradation of many ecosystem services over the next 50 years, but the changes in policy and practice required are substantial and not currently underway. Source: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
In 2005 the UN released the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, which assessed conditions and trends of the world's ecosystems, and links to human well-being. A new World Resources Institute (WRI) publication reviews these findings and points to next steps.Nature provides the conditions for a healthy, secure, and fulfilling existence. Among the many benefits people receive from nature are fresh water, food, protection from floods, and spiritual enrichment. Restoring Nature's Capital looks at how governance is critical to sustainable, healthy ecosystems. The report identifies how policymakers' decisions on development projects and investments can lead to healthy ecosystem services. The report is a guide for practical measures towards reversing ecosystem degradation. View information on World Resources Institute's 2007 report, Restoring Nature's Capital: An Action Agenda to Sustain Ecosystem Services Download 2007 World Resources Institute report, Restoring Nature's Capital: An Action Agenda to Sustain Ecosystem Services (PDF)WRI is working on a follow-up, Integrating Ecosystem Services into Development Decisions: A Guide for Decision Makers. Source: World Resources Institute
Three wildlife species have been chosen to be safeguarded under a new tri-national effort to protect species of common conservation concern in North America. The announcement was made March 2004 by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) - an organization created by the NAFTA environmental side-accord.The leatherback turtle, humpback whale and pink-footed shearwater were jointly selected by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States, in cooperation with environmental groups, as pilot species for the first North American Conservation Action Plans. The action plans will establish a common conservation approach across the continent, and will act to reduce threats, share expertise and provide key information to the public and wildlife officers. Future plans will include terrestrial species as well. The decisions are one of the outcomes of the adoption of a long-term strategy for the conservation of critical species and habitats in North America by the three North American governments in June 2003. Visit the Conservation of Biodiversity section of the CEC web site View the March 2004 CEC press release Trilateral Committee for Wildlife, Ecosystem ConservationIn 1996, the wildlife conservation agencies of the United States, Mexico, and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Canada/Mexico/US Trilateral Committee for Wildlife and Ecosystem Conservation and Management. This agreement formally brought together for the first time the three nations of North America, in a continental effort for wildlife and ecosystem conservation and management.The Trilateral Committee facilitates cooperation and coordination among wildlife agencies of the three nations in projects and programs for the conservation and management of wildlife, plants, biological diversity, and ecosystems of mutual interest. The Trilateral also facilitates development of partnerships with other associated and interested entities. Delegations from each country come together annually for discussions on a wide range of topics, from joint, on-the-ground projects to issues of law enforcement to the development of information databases. Download the Fact Sheet on the Trilateral Committee (PDF)Visit the Trilateral Committee for Wildlife. Ecosystem Conservation and Management web site Trilateral Monarch Butterfly Protected Area Network
An informal agreement between wildlife officials in Mexico, the United States and Canada, the "Trilateral Monarch Butterfly Sister Protected Area Network" will develop international projects to preserve and restore breeding, migration and winter habitat for the orange and black butterflies. Officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, Canada's Wildlife Service and Parks Agency and Mexico's Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources also indicated that as part of the agreement, they have designated 13 wildlife preserves as protected areas.The informal agreement will include sharing information about ways to preserve the habitat and migratory pathways of monarch butterflies. Every autumn, millions of monarchs leave eastern Canada and United States and fly distances of 2,800 miles (4,500 km) and more to the fir forests of Mexico's Sierra Madre Mountains for the winter. Monarchs west of the Rocky Mountains, including from Manitoba, migrate south to eucalyptus groves in southern California. Monarch researcher and ecologist Dr. Lincoln Brower of Sweet Briar College in Virginia was enthusiastic about the agreement but cautioned that the agreement will do little to preserve the butterflies unless stronger action is also taken to stop logging in Mexico and to change farming practices that destroy plants the butterflies rely on. Source: Reuters
Greenpeace has welcomed Australia's recent announcement that echoes several other countries' calls for the United Nations to establish a moratorium on unregulated high seas bottom trawling. Following three years of calls for urgent action, the United Nations General Assembly began negotiating measures to protect marine life in the deep-sea on October 4th & 5th, 2006 leading up to formal adoption of these new measures in November 2006.WWF International and the Marine Stewardship Council have teamed up to raise awareness and promote consumer action regarding unsustainable fishing. Factors contributing to the current level of overfishing include technological advances, subsidies that keep too many boats on the water, Partnership Agreements that allow foreign fleets to overfish in the waters of developing countries, pirate fishers, and destructive fishing practices, including massive bycatch of juvenile fish and other marine species. WWF Canada has been focusing on the bycatch issue and recently released a report that offers solutions and recommendations for addressing the problem of bycatch, which not only incidentally kills billions of fish and other marine animals each year, but also destroys marine habitats. As many as 90% of all the ocean's large fish have been fished out, and 75% of the world's fisheries are fully exploited, overexploited, depleted, or recovering from depletion. View the WWF/Marine Stewardship Council campaign for sustainable seafood View more WWF information about unsustainable fishing View Manitoba Wildlands' September 14, 2006 news item on By-Catch Reduction |
Canada Initiatives |
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| In 1917, the Government of Canada passed the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA), in response to the 1916 Canada/US Migratory Birds Convention, MBCA regulated the hunting of most migratory birds and prevented their trafficking and commercialization. The MBCA also provided for the establishment of migratory bird sanctuaries. The MBCA was amended (modernized) in 1994 and is administered by the Wildlife Enforcement Division of Environment Canada in cooperation with provincial and territorial governments. |  Snowy Owl ©Ann Cook |
In 1977, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) was created to develop a listing of Canadian species at risk using current scientific data. In 1992, the Government of Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Following ratification, the Government of Canada undertook consultations with other Canadian jurisdictions and stakeholders and released the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy in 1995. Ministers of each jurisdiction (representing every province and territory as well as the federal government) signed a statement of commitment to the conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources. Each jurisdiction determines how it will implement the strategic directions. In 1994, the Government of Canada began developing federal endangered species legislation. 1996, the Canadian Endangered Species Protection Act (CESPA) was introduced in the House of Commons. In 1996, the Government of Canada enacted the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA). WAPPRIITA protects Canadian and foreign species from illegal trade and helps to protect Canadian ecosystems against the introduction of designated harmful species. WAPPRIITA is the government's response to implementing CITES in Canada and is administered and enforced by the Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Northwest Territories, and the Yukon for co-operation on administration and enforcement of WAPPRIITA. 1997 CESPA dies when federal election called. 2000 Species at Risk Act introduced; dies when election called. In 2002 (December 12), the Government of Canada passed the Species at Risk Act (SARA): nine years after the initial process started. Certain parts of the Act came into effect in June 2003. Important provisions against harming listed species (extirpated, endangered or threatened species) and the destruction of their habitat are set to come into effect on June 1, 2004. |
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Species at Risk Act (SARA) |
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COSEWIC |
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 Grey Wolf |
COSEWIC determines the national status of species considered at risk in
Canada and reports its assessments to the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation
Council and the Canadian public. COSEWIC status categories are 'special concern', 'threatened', 'endangered', 'extirpated', 'extinct', and 'not at risk'. COSEWIC operates at arms-length from government and includes representatives from federal, provincial and territorial governments, three non-governmental organizations (Canadian Wildlife Federation, Canadian Nature Federation and World Wildlife Fund Canada) and |
| the co-chairs of the Species Specialist Subcommittees and the Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Subcommittee. Species experts, often independent from government, prepare species reports. Species Specialist Subcommittees (8 in total) include birds, terrestrial mammals, marine mammals, amphibians & reptiles, freshwater fishes, marine fishes, plants & lichens, lepidopterans (i.e. butterflies and moths) & molluscs, as well as an Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge Subcommittee. The eight groups account for less than 20% of all the species of organisms known to exist in Canada (there are no specialist groups for crustaceans, echinoderms, algae, microorganisms, dragonflies, beetles, or spiders). Many species in Canada have not yet been assessed by COSEWIC, despite being at risk. COSEWIC assessments are not legally binding and any government can ignore its advice. However, under the joint federal-provincial-territorial Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk each jurisdiction has agreed to recognize COSEWIC as the primary source of independent advice on the status of species at risk. As a result, COSEWIC-listed species are given special consideration by all jurisdictions and in environmental impact assessments of development projects. Visit the COSEWIC web site Visit Environment Canada's Hinterlands Who's Who species web site View the Manitoba Wildlands Species Ranking Chart |
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Manitoba Initiatives |
For more information, click here |
2002-2008