In the last few years, we’ve written to BEAN’s readers about what Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are and how we are identifying them across Canada. These KBAs are the sites across our country (and the rest of the world!) that are most important for the maintenance of biodiversity. Whether on land, sea, or underground, and whether important for rare species, threatened ecosystems, or incredible gatherings of wildlife, each KBA is highlighting some exceptional piece of nature that Canadians are responsible for. Building from the existing Important Bird and Biodiversity Area program, and working with a broad network of experts and knowledge-holders, Indigenous partners, NGOs, federal, provincial and municipal governments, and other stakeholders, we’ve identified over 1000 potential Key Biodiversity Areas across the country, with over 130 in Ontario.
By compiling information on sites that are critical for conservation across Ontario and Canada, KBAs highlight Canada’s unique and spectacular biodiversity, celebrate the stewardship activities that have helped many of these areas to persist, and bring national and international recognition to these places. KBAs will help Canada and other countries to monitor and achieve their progress toward international biodiversity conservation targets. As Canada works to protect 30% of its lands and seas by 2030 for example, KBAs will help identify the priority areas for conservation. In fact, Canada’s KBA program will take the stage during an event at the upcoming UNCBD Conference of the Parties (COP) in Montreal, showcasing the work done to date on identifying KBAs.
As expected, the KBA program affirms the importance of many well known sites for biodiversity in Ontario. Places like Long Point Peninsula and Marshes, Bruce Peninsula, or Algonquin Park will all be KBAs. However, the KBA program is also recognizing less well-know biodiversity gems across the province as well. Read on for a glimpse of some of the less-talked about conservation hotspots in Ontario.
Ontario’s Biodiversity Gems: Exploring Key Biodiversity Areas Across the Province
By compiling information on sites that are critical for conservation across Ontario and Canada, KBAs highlight Canada’s unique and spectacular biodiversity, celebrate the stewardship activities that have helped many of these areas to persist, and bring national and international recognition to these places. KBAs will help Canada and other countries to monitor and achieve their progress toward international biodiversity conservation targets. As Canada works to protect 30% of its lands and seas by 2030 for example, KBAs will help identify the priority areas for conservation. In fact, Canada’s KBA program will take the stage during an event at the upcoming UNCBD Conference of the Parties (COP) in Montreal, showcasing the work done to date on identifying KBAs.
As expected, the KBA program affirms the importance of many well known sites for biodiversity in Ontario. Places like Long Point Peninsula and Marshes, Bruce Peninsula, or Algonquin Park will all be KBAs. However, the KBA program is also recognizing less well-know biodiversity gems across the province as well. Read on for a glimpse of some of the less-talked about conservation hotspots in Ontario.
Ontario’s Biodiversity Gems: Exploring Key Biodiversity Areas Across the Province