Quetico Provincial Park © Noah Cole
The Issue
In 2022, as a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, Canada committed to protecting 30 percent of its lands and waters by 2030.
The Government of Ontario has yet to adopt the 30×30 target, despite recommendations from its own appointed Protected Areas Working Group. Currently, less than 11 percent of Ontario is protected, and the province has become a laggard nationally.
We are calling on the Government of Ontario to commit to the 30×30 target to protect our lands and waters for generations to come.
Sydenham River Nature Reserve © David Coulson
Why It Matters
Protected areas are vital for halting and reversing biodiversity loss and addressing climate change.
Protected places maintain ecosystems and habitats, provide safe havens for wildlife, increase our resilience to climate change, and provide places for recreation, land-based learning, and spiritual renewal. Protected areas can sustain and strengthen Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices when co-created with and managed by Indigenous people. People rely on protected areas for their physical and mental well-being.
Nottawasaga River, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park © Noah Cole
What We Are Doing
Ontario Nature is advocating for the expansion of protected areas by:
- Building strong alliances with our Nature Network member groups, Indigenous partners, industry leaders, and conservation organizations to identify conservation opportunities.
- Spotlighting potential protected areas to the public on our Protected Places StoryMap.
- Partnering with municipalities and conservation authorities to support contributions to the 30×30 target and protect near-urban nature.
- Conducting research to build the case for protected areas.
- Managing our 26 nature reserves to a high standard so that they count towards Canada’s protected areas target.
Mer Bleue Conservation Area © Robbie
What You Can Do
- Email decision-makers.
- Call your MPP.
- Donate to support protected areas in Ontario.
- Learn more about Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and the Land Back movement.
- Explore the Protected Places StoryMap.
Caroline Schultz's Protected Places Campaign Presentation © Noah Cole
The Protected Places program is generously supported by:
Resources
ON Nature Magazine
Read the Fall 2025 issue of our award-winning magazine about conservation and nature for free.
© Pavels, Shutterstock
