Canada launches Key Biodiversity Areas Program (KBAs)
WorkCabin Creative is a contributing conservation filmmaker to a national film project launching Canada’s Key Biodiversity Areas Program (KBAs). WorkCabin Creative supplied some footage of wildlife and landscapes, and filmed interview segments featuring Patrick Nadeau, President & CEO, Birds Canada.
Read more about KBAs below:
RELEASE
After decades of surveys, species assessments, and data collection, leading conservation science groups are launching Canada’s Key Biodiversity Areas Program (KBAs). As part of a global effort, the interactive KBA registry and first suite of formally designated sites are being unveiled October 3 at an event at the Canadian Museum of Nature hosted by the KBA Canada Secretariat (Birds Canada, NatureServe Canada, and Wildlife Conservation Society Canada).
Canada is a global leader in identifying Key Biodiversity Areas (or KBAs), which are sites that play a critical role in the persistence of species and ecosystems. KBAs will play an important role in our efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss before it’s too late. Remarkably, the rigorous scientific process used to identify KBAs looks at all species groups and ecosystems, so that for the first time ever, all biodiversity is recognized in one comprehensive database.
The urgent call to action to address the ‘twin crises’ of climate change and biodiversity loss is being echoed around the world. In Canada, the federal government, provinces, territories, Indigenous representatives, non-governmental organizations, communities, and stakeholders are collaborating to protect 30% of our lands and oceans by 2030. Canada’s KBAs can help to guide achieving this important goal. Environment and Climate Change Minister of Canada Steven Guilbeault will speak to this “30 x 30” commitment at the October 3rd event.
Short-eared Owl Photo: Brendan Kelly
“As Canada pursues a global target of protecting 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, we recognize that these biodiversity goals must be more than just numerical targets. Our conservation efforts must also be guided by the quality of the lands. That is why the development of Canada’s national standard for Key Biodiversity Areas, and the associated website and registry, are so important. Congratulations on your collective efforts. Together, we are recognizing Key Biodiversity Areas with all levels of government and a multitude of stakeholders and knowledge holders, including involvement from Indigenous groups across the country. This is an extremely useful source of information for future conservation efforts in Canada.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Right now, Canada is preparing to host COP 15 this December, under the presidency of China. As a global leader in identifying key biodiversity areas, Canada has a lot to bring to the table. This new program, Canada’s Key Biodiversity Areas Program, and especially the ongoing stakeholder collaboration with government land owners, Indigenous peoples and local communities, and others, will be integral to Canada’s continued work in halting and reversing biodiversity loss.”
– David Cooper, Deputy Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
“In December, 2022, thousands from around the world will gather in Montreal for COP15, the UN Biodiversity Summit, and all eyes will be on Canada. The world’s Key Biodiversity Areas provide an exceptional opportunity to gain much needed momentum in our to efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Identifying and targeting these critical sites for nature will guide decision-makers in setting priorities for ecosystem protection.”
– Patrick Nadeau, President & CEO, Birds Canada.
“KBAS are exciting not just because they will help us answer the question of ‘what must we save,’ but also because they help highlight the incredible nature we can experience close to our homes. KBAs serve as hubs for nature conservation in communities and give opportunities for people in Canada to discover, connect, and benefit from nature.”
– Patrick Henry, Executive Director, NatureServe Canada
“Conservation can only happen when people value nature. KBAs point us to the most critical places for nature, but what we do is up to all of us. From land use planning to Indigenous-led conservation efforts to community-based caretaker programs – KBAs provide a compass for conservation to ensure we are protecting the most important places for future generations. ”
– Justina Ray, President and Senior Scientist, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada.
A short video about KBAs can be viewed at https://youtu.be/lZb7luoWoDg.
Visit KBACanada.org to explore Canada’s Key Biodiversity Areas and join efforts to help conserve Canada’s most critical places for nature!
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