Ontario Nature Blog

Since 2010, protected areas advocates have focused on the United Nations target of protecting at least 17 percent of our lands and inland waters, and 10 percent of our marine areas by 2020. Among our efforts, Ontario Nature, along with eight partner organizations, promoted the Protected Places Declaration to demonstrate widespread public support for achieving ...

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On September 28th, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Canada’s commitment to protect 25 percent of our lands and waters by 2025, and 30 percent by 2030. Here’s why these new targets matter and a look at progress to date:  Marked on the map above are natural areas in Ontario that call out for protection. Click each point on the map to learn more about these ...

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There are some special areas in southern Ontario that undoubtedly merit protection but currently have none. The Matchedash Wildlands, which stretch from just east of the southern tip of Georgian Bay to Swift Rapids, north of Orillia, are one such place. In the words of Ron Reid, Carden Coordinator at the Couchiching Conservancy, “at the ...

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Some areas undoubtedly merit protection. In Peterborough County (Treaty 20), the lands and waters surrounding Jack Lake (also known locally as Jack’s Lake) are highly valued by First Nations and the local community. Now, mineral exploration and quarrying threaten this ecologically and culturally significant site, which emerged as a priority candidate for protection at community ...

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“When we talk about nature-based solutions in the modern context, we’re really talking about new ways of doing old things. Indigenous knowledge systems tell us that we must put nature first. If we look after nature, the economy will take care of itself. … We must repair our relationship with the land first and focus ...

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