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Municipal Protected Areas Project

Claireville Conservation Area, Brampton © RM Images CC BY-SA 2.0

The Issue

Canada has committed to protecting 30% of its lands and waters in line with international targets (30×30 target) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

The 30×30 Target:

  • Conserving and effectively managing 30% of land and water
  • Establishing well-connected, equitably governed systems
  • Recognizing and respecting Indigenous rights and traditional territories
  • Ensuring that sustainable use of areas, where appropriate, is full consistent with conservation outcomes
Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Dundas © Kevin Cabral CC BY 2.0

Why It Matters

By protecting near-urban nature and contributing these areas to the 30×30 target, local land managers in Ontario can take meaningful, cost-effective action to build climate resilience and safeguard biodiversity.

Contributions to the target can validate the quality of local conservation efforts by showcasing that they meet the pan-Canadian criteria, which may increase funder interest in supporting future conservation work.

Celebrating conservation efforts fosters a sense of community pride and accountability to care for nature.

Standing out as a local conservation leader sets a good precedent and may encourage surrounding communities or organizations to do the same.

Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Area, Glen Huron © John Vetterli CC BY-NC 2.0

What We Are Doing

Since 2020, Ontario Nature has been working with municipalities, conservation authorities and other land managers across the province to assess where their natural areas meet the national standard for contribution to the 30×30 target. To date, Ontario Nature has successfully assessed nearly 40,000 hectares of lands to get them counted for the 30×30 target. We are also working with partners to celebrate their contributions.

Ontario Nature also participates in the Municipal Protected Areas Program (MPAP), a national collaborative initiative to encourage local authorities across Canada to support the 30×30 target.

Finally, we are raising awareness and publishing resources about the opportunity to contribute to the target and encourage leadership in biodiversity conservation. For example, our recent report promotes and supports Municipal Contributions to Canada’s Protected Areas Target by highlighting wise practices and policies in line with the 30×30 target.

Lake Temagami, Temagami © Christopher Porter CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

What You Can Do

Lancaster Business Park Natural Area, Kitchener © Melanie Potvin CC BY 2.0

This project is being undertaken with the financial support of:

ECCC informs Canadians about protecting and conserving our natural heritage, and ensuring a clean, safe and sustainable environment for present and future generations.
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