Quinte Conservation Authority (QCA) has announced a contribution of 10,357 hectares of conservation areas and reserves towards Canada’s international commitment to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030.
Commonly known as the 30 by 30 target, it was adopted by nations around the world as part of the Global Biodiversity Framework at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP 15), said QCA.
The target aims to protect biodiversity, mitigate impacts of climate change, and ensure the sustainability of ecosystems.
“We’re proud to have 66 of our properties, totaling 10,357 hectares, officially included in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database, ” said Brad McNevin, chief administrative officer with Quinte Conservation. “This is a major milestone in our effort to preserve and protect the environment, strengthening the natural ecosystems across the Quinte watershed.
“As a local watershed-based environmental protection agency, it’s gratifying to be recognized at a federal level,” added McNevin.
According to the QCA, based on their assessment completed in partnership with Ontario Nature, it was determined that 66 properties meet what was described as rigorous pan-Canadian standards, warranting their designation as protected areas in the national database that is monitored and maintained by Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Stewarded by QCA, these lands prioritize watershed health and the protection of the area’s natural ecology, added conservation officials, explaining commercial forestry is not permitted.
“Nature is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault, while congratulating Quinte Conservation and its partners for conserving lands and forests in the Quinte Region watershed. “That’s why the Government of Canada launched the largest conservation campaign in Canada’s history in 2018, a campaign that continues to this day.”
“By creating and recognizing more protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs), we are expanding Canada’s conservation network-and when we work across all sectors, there’s no end to the possibilities for advancing conservation in Canada. Together, we are making progress toward Canada’s important conservation goals in our effort to halt and reverse the alarming, global decline of biodiversity.”
Official word came on the heels of the celebration of International Day of Forests (March 21), which acknowledges the critical role forests play in sustaining life on earth. QCA said the collaborative effort to get more than 10,000 hectares in Canada’s protected areas database highlights the importance of protecting natural habitats and promotes responsible forest stewardship, especially in southern Ontario where conservation efforts face unique challenges.
Officials added QCA’s sustainable management practices are further reflected through its Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification for Community Forests, obtained through the Eastern Ontario Model Forest.
This signifies commitment to environmentally-appropriate, socially-beneficial and economically-viable management practices; including, adherence to FSC principles, such as maintaining biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and respecting rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities, explained QCA.
The natural areas included in the submission encompass a range of provincially significant wetlands and areas of natural and scientific interest, serving as a vital sanctuary for many species, added QCA.
Among the diverse habitats found within these protected lands, critical ecosystems support numerous species at-risk, including Louisiana waterthrush, golden-winged warbler, five-lined skink, and yellow-banded bumble bee, explained QCA.
“QCA remains dedicated to upholding these standards and safeguarding ecosystems through partnerships and engagement with local communities for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Caroline Schultz, executive director with Ontario Nature, called Quinte Conservation a leader, while extending congratulations on its achievement.
“We are proud to work with organizations that uphold strong policies and strategies to conserve biodiversity. Quinte is a leader in Ontario and beyond,” said Schultz.
FSC Canada President Francois Dufresne also applauded QCA for its certification and a “remarkable contribution towards Canada’s protected areas target, emphasizing the crucial role of community forests in conservation.”
(Written by Sarah Hyatt)
