Survey on Canadian Municipal Action on Biodiversity

ICLEI Canada administered this 2017 survey in support of the efforts of the federal, provincial, and territorial governments of Canada towards Canada’s 6th National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.   Canada Biodiversity Target 4 states: By 2020, biodiversity considerations are integrated into municipal planning and activities of major municipalities across Canada.  

Through the survey we learned that 23 medium and large population centers have developed biodiversity conservation strategies and 42 have biodiversity objectives integrated into municipal planning documents.  The most common biodiversity concerns integrated into other frameworks included environmentally significant areas, watershed management and greenspace conservation.  The most common program or activity theme areas noted were invasive alien species, community gardens and tree planting. 

There was nearly a 3-fold increase in survey responses in 2017 versus 2014, suggesting an increased interest in biodiversity at the municipal level.  Respondents demonstrated more familiarity with the theme, alluding to an increased capacity to engage with and understand biodiversity concerns. 

More information about Canada’s 6th National Report to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and Target 4 can be found here: http://biodivcanada.chm-cbd.net