Wetlands and wetland policies in Canada

Last updated

Wetlands in Nova Scotia, Canada Wetlands, Trans-Canada Trail between River John and Meadowville, NS (42484039450).jpg
Wetlands in Nova Scotia, Canada

Canadian wetlands account for approximately one quarter of the world's total wetlands and is ranked with the highest surface area of wetlands on the Ramsar Conventions List of Wetlands of International Importance. [1] Canada holds 37 designated areas of International Importance which equates to approximately 13,086,767 hectares of land. [2]

Contents

Wetlands play an important role in Canadian in ecosystem functioning as they protect coastal areas from erosion; regulate water from large floods; prevent toxic sediments and substances from getting into groundwater; provide habitats for various species; participate and contribute to the water cycle; and serve as a natural storage base for carbon. [3] [1] It is wetlands that provide productive habitats with high species diversity and nutrient cycling in comparison to many other ecosystems. [3] In addition to ecological functions, wetlands contribute to socio-economic frameworks in Canada such as hunting, trapping and fishing; tourism and recreation; domestic peat energy source and resource for peat; provide materials for forest products; and account for some natural heritage areas. [1]

Ecozones in Canada Terrestrial ecozones and ecoprovinces of Canada, 2017.gif
Ecozones in Canada

History

The first national wetland policy of Canada is The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation which was established in 1991. [1] It came to fruition after Environment Canada developed a statement on wetlands issues in Canada in 1986 and early 1987. [1] The management and protection of wetlands in Canada was deemed a significant land use issue by the Federal-Provincial Committee on Land Use (FPCLU) which stemmed from Canada's involvement with the Ramsar Convention. [1] [4] Key proposals from the convention included the establishment of wetland conservation policies to address legislative needs, improve knowledge and awareness of wetland functions, and to have continuous monitoring of wetlands in Canada. [1]

In April 1990, a national policy conference was held termed the "Sustaining Wetlands Forum" which included Federal government, non-government, and industry groups such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and the Round Table on the Environment and the Economy. [1] This forum provoked a series of recommendations, including the incorporation of policies within all jurisdictions in Canada to better conserve wetlands by 1991. [1] In addition, national consultations were conducted during summer 1990 which found widespread public support for incorporating wetlands into Canadian conservations needs and the necessity to reclaim and protect wetlands within Canada. [1]

Wetlands in Canadian Ecozones

Wetlands can be found in Canada's broad ranges of ecozones spanning across the provinces and territories. In Canada, there is approximately 1.29 million km2 of wetlands which in turn covers 13% of Canada's terrestrial area. [5] Canadian wetlands are predominantly located within the Boreal Shield which accounts for 25% of the existing wetland habitats. [5] Other localities with high percentages of wetland occurrence include the Hudson Plains (21%) and Boreal Plains (18%). [5] Specifically, it is the Hudson Plains terrestrial habitats that are mainly constituted of wetlands. [5] The major wetlands in Canada extend from central Labrador to south of Hudson Bay in addition to northwest of the Mackenzie River delta. [6]

EcozoneWetland Area (km2)
Arctic Cordillera17,650
Northern Arctic79,065
Southern Arctic97,448
Taiga Plains255,276
Taiga Shield358,051
Boreal Shield470,588
Atlantic Maritime8128
Mixedwood Plains4,723
Boreal Plains202,455
Prairies2,3269
Taiga Cordillera6,682
Boreal Cordillera13,908
Pacific Maritime2,371
Montane Cordillera74,109
Hudson Plains292,109
Tundra Cordillera5,495
Semi-Arid Plateaux1,192
Atlantic Highlands2,792

Source: [7]

Canadian Wetland Classification System (CWCS)

The Canadian Wetland Classification System (CWCS) is based on wetland functions and interrelationships between abiotic and biotic constituents of wetland habitats. [8] These interrelationships determine the resulting implications and characteristics of hydrology, climate, vegetation interactions, and water quality which are important considerations for deciding how to manage and conserve different wetland environments. [8]

Bog in Quebec, Canada Canada, Quebec bog.JPG
Bog in Quebec, Canada

The CWCS has a hierarchical structure which is composed of wetland class, wetland form, and wetland type. [9] [10] The broadest category is the wetland class which recognizes the genetic origin of each specific wetland ecosystem. [8] This consists of bogs, fens, swamps, marshes, and shallow waters. [9] These are determined by examining abiotic parameters including hydrologic regime, mineral material, water chemistry, and the interaction of these functions with biota to form vegetation cover or peat. [8] Wetland forms are determined by assessing wetland ecosystems surface morphology and pattern, water quality, relationship to open water, and the underlying mineral soil morphology. [8] Lastly, wetland types are determined by investigating the wetland ecosystems vegetation physiognomy. [8]

Wetland Classes [9]
ClassDescriptionWater TableWater SourcesVegetationSoilsSubforms
Bog Peat landform, raised or level with surrounding terrainAt or slightly below bog surfacePrecipitation, fog, and snowmeltTreed or treeless, usually covered with sphagnum, shrubs, lichens Mesisols, and Organic Cryosols Blanket bog, Collapse scar bog, Domed bog, Flat bog, Lowland polygon bog, Mound bog, Palsa bog, Peat mound bog, Peat plateau bog, Plateau bog, Polygonal peat plateau bog, Riparian bog, Slope bog, String bog, Veneer bog
Fen Peatland with fluctuating water table, groundwater, and surface water presenceFluctuatingChannels, pools and other open water bodies form surface flow patternsDecomposed sedge and brown moss peats Mesisols, Humisols, and organic CryosolsBasin fen, Channel fen, Collapse scar fen, Feather fen, Horizontal fen, Lowland polygon fen, Palsa fen, Riparian fen, Slope fen, Snowpatch fen, Spring fen, String fen
Marsh Shallow water fluctuating daily, seasonally or annuallyWater table is at or below soil surfaceWater from surrounding surface runoff, stream inflow, precipitation, storm surges, groundwater discharge, longshore currents, and tidal actionVegetation includes aquatic macrophytes, rushes, reeds, grasses, sedges, shrubs, moss, liverworts, algae Humic, Rego Gleysols, Humisols, MesisolsBasin marsh, Estuarine marsh, Hummock marsh, Lacustrine marsh, Riparian marsh. Slope marsh, Spring marsh, Tidal marsh
Swamp Forested or wooded wetlands and peatlands; Highly decomposed woody peat and organic materialWater table at or below the surfaceLakes, streams, storm surges, surface runoffTreed or tall shrub dominated; Tall woody vegetation, 30% covered, wood-rich peatGleysol, Mesisols, HumisolsDischarge swamp, Flat swamp, Inland salt swamp, Mineral-wise swamp, Raised peatland swamp, Riparian swamp, Slope swamp, Tidal swamp
Shallow WaterWetlands transitional between saturated wetlands or seasonally wet deep water bodies; Can be called ponds, shallow lakes, oxbows, sloughs, or channelsWater table below the surface Lacustrine, fluvial, tidal, stream, river and permafrost systemsVegetation includes limnic peat, mixed limnic organic-mineral material, and marlN/ABasin water, Estuarine water, Lacustrine water, Riparian water, Tidal water

Wetland loss

Tallgrass wetland Tallgrass wetland (15232581249).jpg
Tallgrass wetland

Since the onset of colonization the total wetland area in Canada has decreased by 15%. [11] This equates to approximately 20 million hectares or one seventh of Canada's total wetland areas. [1] In 1991, the Minister of Environment estimated 65% of Atlantic coastal salt marshes have been eradicated; 80 to 98% of wetlands adjacent or completely within urban centres have been destroyed; 68% of wetlands in southern Ontario have been lost; and 70% of Pacific estuary marshes have been degraded. [1] This exhibits the necessity for implementing and establishing more wetland policies and frameworks within the Canadian political framework. [1]

Policies by province

The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation is applied on federal lands which constitutes approximately 29% of Canada's wetlands. [4] As such, the majority of wetlands within Canada are not protected under this policy which subsequently lies on the provincial or territorial policies and guidelines for protection. [4] Most provinces and territories have implemented a wetland management program but not all have wetland conservations policies in place to protect wetlands. [4] This is due in part to The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation being depicted as a partnership between provincial and territorial governments in combination with private sections. [1]

The policies, frameworks, guidelines, and strategies for wetland management and protection vary nationally in Canada.

JurisdictionAct, policy, or regulationsDescription
InternationalRamsar Convention on WetlandsMultilateral agreement led by Environment and Climate Change Canada; global nature conservation on the wise us of all wetlands through local and national actions; Canada has 37 designated Wetlands of International Importance under the Convention [12]
The North American Waterfowl Management PlanTri-national agreement with the United States and Mexico; conserves waterfowl and wetland habitats with collaborative management and conservation [13]
FederalThe Federal Policy on Wetland ConservationFederal policy on wetland conservation; no net loss wetlands; protection, restoration, and management of Canadian wetlands [14]
Fisheries Act Prevents the harmful alteration of wetlands that would disrupt or destruct fish habitats [15]
Canada Wildlife Act Covers the creation, management, and protection of wildlife areas; preserves critical habitats, including wetlands [16]
Navigation Protection Act Prohibits navigability of water; canal or body or water created or altered due to construction of any work [17]
British Columbia Riparian Areas RegulationProtection of riparian areas features, functions, and conditions essential for maintaining stream health and productivity; under the Fish Protection Act [18]
Forest Range Practices ActGoverns the management of forest and range resources; riparian area management; considerations of wetlands in forest development planning [19]
Water Sustainability ActEnsures the sustainable supply of fresh and clean water; requires approval for alterations of streams, lakes, or wetlands [20]
Environmental Assessment ActAssess major projects and their potential impacts on the environment, including wetlands [21]
Alberta Alberta Wetland PolicyMaintaining wetland areas to ensure healthy watersheds with safe and secure drinking water; ecological, social, and economic benefits of wetlands maintained [22]
Alberta Water ActGoverns the management of water in Alberta; promotes conservation and management of water and wetlands; balances with economic growth [23]
Environmental Protection and Enhancement ActDetermines requirement for environmental impact assessments; wetland reclamation, conservation easements, wastewater, storm drainage, and substance release [24]
Public Lands ActCrown ownership of beds and shores of all permanent and naturally occurring bodies of water (wetlands, rivers, streams, watercourses, and lakes) [25]
Saskatchewan Environmental Management and Protection RegulationsConsiderations of adjacent wetlands and the interconnectivity of wetlands with other water courses [26]
Saskatchewan Watershed Authority ActConservation, preservation, and management of wetlands [27]
Manitoba The Sustainable Watersheds ActRegulates the use and management of water which includes the protection of wetlands and other water bodies [28]
Ontario Provincial Policy StatementProhibits development and alteration of provincially significant wetlands; protection of Great Lakes coastal wetlands; development and site alteration is prohibited near provincially significant wetlands [29]
Conservation Authorities ActProhibits some activities within wetlands; restricting and regulating the use of water in or from wetlands [30]
Environmental Protection ActSurface and groundwater considerations; regulates and controls pollutants that may affect wetlands [31]
Wetland Conservation Strategy for OntarioProvincial policy for wetland conservation and management in Ontario; promote protection, restoration, and awareness of wetlands [32]
Quebec Environmental Quality ActIntegrated management of wetlands; prevention of loss of wetlands and bodies of water; compensation measures for loss of wetlands [33]
The Water ActAims for no net loss of wetlands and water bodies; respect for the conservation of wetlands and waterbodies in Quebec; under the Act respecting the conservation of wetlands and bodies of water [34]
Plan régionaux des milieux humides et hydriquesConservation of wetlands and bodies of water in land use planning including an action plan and follow-up measures [35]
Nova Scotia Wetland Conservation PolicyFramework for conservation and management of wetland; communicates the importance of wetlands; balance of sustainable economic growth [36]
Environment ActRegulations on infilling or altering wetlands; authorizations, restrictions or prohibiting the alternation of wetlands and water courses [37]
Forestry ActMandatory methods and standards for sustainable forest management practices to protect wetlands [38]
Prince Edward Island Water ActSupports and promotes the management, protection, and enhancement of wetlands; investigating adverse effects or ensuring compliance with threats to wetlands [39]
Wildlife Conservation ActRegulate the standards for the preservation and management of certain designated wetlands with historical and biological value [40]
Environmental Protection ActExclusive control over the quality, use, protection or alternation of wetlands; categorization of wetlands [41]
New Brunswick Wetland Conservation PolicyProvincially significant wetlands habitats ensure no net loss; wetland functions larger than 1 hectare in size protected [42]
Clean Water ActProtect the quality and quantity of wetlands through conservation and protection; water management plans for wetlands [43]
Newfoundland & Labrador Water Resources ActPermits developments in wetlands that do not cause adverse effects on water quantity, water quality, hydrologic functions, and terrestrial and aquatic habitats in wetlands [44]
Policy for Development in WetlandsCriteria for issuing permits under Section 48 of the Water Resources Act for all development activities in and affecting wetlands [45]
Environmental Protection ActRegulations and guidelines related to wetland conservation and protection; environmental assessment processes for evaluating potential environmental impacts on wetlands due to proposed activities [46]
Yukon A Policy for the Stewardship of Yukon WetlandsProtect most important wetlands; improve knowledge of wetlands; manage and minimize impacts on wetlands [47]
Northwest Territories The Waters ActManagement and protection of water resources, including wetlands; regulate activities related to water use and management; protection of wetlands [48]
Environmental Rights ActProtects the integrity, biological diversity, and productivity of ecosystems, including wetlands [49]
Nunavut Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface rights Tribunal ActRegulation of the use of water and surface resources; policies and guidelines for water management [50]
Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment ActImplements environmental assessments for proposed development to determining impacts on wetlands amongst other environmental components [51]
Wildlife ActManagement and protection of wildlife populations and habitats, including wetlands; assess the need to conserve and management wetlands for wildlife populations [52]

Issues

Wetland law and policy within North America is reliant on the implementation of the "mitigation sequence" which includes avoidance, minimization, compensation, and restoration for any alterations to wetlands. [53] [54] However, achieving and executing avoidance within the mitigation sequence has been broadly argued by scholars, scientists, policy-makers, and regulators to be dismissed with wetland protection. [55] [56] The total avoidance of impacts on wetlands in Canada can be boiled down to 5 key factors central to the failure of decision-makers to prioritize avoidance and minimization within the mitigation sequence. A 2011 Wetlands Ecology and Management article suggests the following issues: [53]

What constitutes "avoidance" on wetlands

Varying interpretations of what constitutes "avoidance" coupled with a scarcity of standardized methods or guidelines for interpreting and following regulatory requirements in Canada has led to suboptimal protection of wetlands. [57] [53] As such, Clare et al. (2011) suggests, "The language that allows compensation if avoidance or minimization 'is not practicable becomes a de facto loophole in its non-specificity, allowing developers to skirt the intent of the law and move directly to compensation". [53] : 169  This is enabled by the high degrees of subjective interpretations which catalyzes inconsistent decision-making and uncertainty within and between jurisdictions in Canada. [53]

Land use planning approaches fail to identify and prioritize the protection of wetlands

The permitting of incremental wetland loss can be seen by the negligence of incorporating and recognizing wetlands in development planning. [58] This leads to conservation, protection, or restoration strategies inadequate to prevent the degradation of wetlands. [58] As such, Clare et al., (2011) argues, "Designating ecologically significant wetlands in advance of development would allow for the avoidance of high priority sites, thereby connecting larger regional management goals (and ecological function), with site-by-site permitting decisions" (p 170). [53] : 170  In addition to this, divergent goals between regulators and decision-makers in regards to wetland management can further wetland degradation. [53] Without the presence of coordinated planning on the protection of wetlands there may be vulnerable localities of wetlands that may face future incursions from development. [53]

Undermining wetlands protection due to monetary valuation

The formulation of market-based instruments has re-focused policy and decision-makers' considerations from avoiding and minimizing wetland impacts towards a more permissive orientation based on exchange values of wetland functions. [53] Wetland area and ecosystem services are intangible and their intrinsic necessity for anthropogenic functioning has been undermined by the emergence of wetland banking and in-lieu fee payments. [53] This is in part due to the more immediate wealth associated with developments directly related to economic prosperity which often result in the degradation of wetland functions. [53] As such, the monetary tools established for defining wetland ecosystem services exist but their understanding for ecosystem goods and services are poorly understood and followed. [59] [60] Furthermore, the abstraction of wetland functions and services through monetary valuation undermines the connectivity of wetlands to broader ecological functions. [61]  

A "techno-arrogance" perception of wetlands creation and restoration which permits an increase in wetland destruction

The advancement in wetland creation and restoration in North America permits the notion that constructed wetlands that visually resemble naturally occurring wetlands can be adequate compensation measures. [53] However, these advancements with engineering and heavy equipment that aim to mimic naturally occurring wetlands often fail to consider the multitude of variables contributing to wetland functioning such as wetland soils, hydrologic regimes, riparian zones, and water chemistry. [53] As such, the undermining of wetland complexity to means of compensation and construction neglects the intrinsic values and functions of natural wetlands. [53] Compensation, restoration, and construction of wetlands through offset wetland policies may have issues in creating equivalency of the ecological, social, and economic values associated with naturally occurring wetlands. [53]

Compensation policies and requirements fail to be enforced by decision-makers

The implementation of compliance and enforcement is necessary to prevent violations on the alteration and destruction of wetlands prior to governmental permitting and approvals. [53] Violations by permit-holders or proponents may be due in part to proponents' ignorance to the wetland policies and laws in addition to the governmental necessity to fund monitoring to ensure conditions are being followed as outlined in permits. [53]   If governments fail to oversee compliance through follow-up measures the accountability of permit holders can be lost. As such, the enactment of compensation over avoidance can seem much easier and more economically intuitive than avoidance mitigation measures for proponents. [53] This can be improved by the enhancement of regulatory agencies follow-up and monitoring to ensure proponents are following wetland protection guidelines. [62] In addition, the coordination of wetland policies within and between jurisdictions can aid in achieving better compliance. [63]

Improvement methods

Greater compliance, transparency,fd and consistency within jurisdictions can aid in improving policies and regulations regarding wetlands in Canada. [64] The existing technical knowledge on the importance of wetland for humans and ecological functions can be incorporated into refining methodologies for valuing and managing wetlands. [64] This can assist in wetland conservation and compliance within existing policies. [64] In a 1998 review of Canadian wetland policy, Jonathan Scarth outlines policy instruments and research needs to best protect and conserve wetlands in Canada, identifying as toolsscience communication, land use incentives and disincentives, public acquisition of land, and land use regulation.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetland</span> Land area that is permanently, or seasonally saturated with water

A wetland is a distinct semi-aquatic ecosystem whose groundcovers are flooded or saturated in water, either permanently, for years or decades, or only seasonally for a shorter periods. Flooding results in oxygen-poor (anoxic) processes taking place, especially in the soils. Wetlands form a transitional zone between waterbodies and dry lands, and are different from other terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems due to their vegetation's roots having adapted to oxygen-poor waterlogged soils. They are considered among the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as habitats to a wide range of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants and animals, with often improved water quality by the plants removing excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for coordinating environmental policies and programs, as well as preserving and enhancing the natural environment and renewable resources. It is also colloquially known by its former name, Environment Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Environmental protection</span> Practice of protecting the natural environment

Environmental protection is the practice of protecting the natural environment by individuals, groups and governments. Its objectives are to conserve natural resources and the existing natural environment and, where it is possible, to repair damage and reverse trends.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ecosystem service</span> Benefits provided by intact ecosystems

Ecosystem services are the various benefits that humans derive from healthy ecosystems. These ecosystems, when functioning well, offer such things as provision of food, natural pollination of crops, clean air and water, decomposition of wastes, or flood control. Ecosystem services are grouped into four broad categories of services. There are provisioning services, such as the production of food and water. Regulating services, such as the control of climate and disease. Supporting services, such as nutrient cycles and oxygen production. And finally there are cultural services, such as spiritual and recreational benefits. Evaluations of ecosystem services may include assigning an economic value to them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canadian Wildlife Service</span> Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada

The Canadian Wildlife Service or CWS, is a Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change Canada, a department of the Government of Canada. November 1, 2012 marked the 65th anniversary of the founding of Service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Environmental impact assessment</span> Assessment of the environmental consequences of a decision before action

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is the assessment of the environmental consequences of a plan, policy, program, or actual projects prior to the decision to move forward with the proposed action. In this context, the term "environmental impact assessment" is usually used when applied to actual projects by individuals or companies and the term "strategic environmental assessment" (SEA) applies to policies, plans and programmes most often proposed by organs of state. It is a tool of environmental management forming a part of project approval and decision-making. Environmental assessments may be governed by rules of administrative procedure regarding public participation and documentation of decision making, and may be subject to judicial review.

Environmental mitigation refers to the process by which measures to avoid, minimise, or compensate for adverse impacts on the environment are applied. In the context of planning processes like Environmental Impact Assessments, this process is often guided by applying conceptual frameworks like the "mitigation hierarchy" or "mitigation sequence". This generally includes the steps avoid, reduce, restore, and offset. In some countries, environmental mitigation measures, including biodiversity offsetting, may be required by law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riparian zone</span> Interface between land and a river or stream

A riparian zone or riparian area is the interface between land and a river or stream. In some regions, the terms riparian woodland, riparian forest, riparian buffer zone, riparian corridor, and riparian strip are used to characterize a riparian zone. The word riparian is derived from Latin ripa, meaning "river bank".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mitigation banking</span> Wetland improvement to offset development

Mitigation banking is a market-based system that involves restoration, creation, or enhancement of wetlands to compensate for unavoidable impacts to a wetland in another location. It involves a system of mitigation banks, sites where projects to restore, create, or enhance wetlands can be carried out in advance of impacts. The outcomes of these projects are valued through the creation of compensatory mitigation credits that can be purchased from mitigation banks to offset the negative impacts of developments or agriculture expansion on wetlands and aquatic habitats. This process is generally conducted with the aim of achieving no net loss of function and value for specific aquatic habitats, such as in terms of the biodiversity or ecosystem services provided by a wetland.

Environmental issues in Canada include impacts of climate change, air and water pollution, mining, logging, and the degradation of natural habitats. As one of the world's significant emitters of greenhouse gasses, Canada has the potential to make contributions to curbing climate change with its environmental policies and conservation efforts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Floodplain restoration</span> Restoration of a rivers floodplain

Floodplain restoration is the process of fully or partially restoring a river's floodplain to its original conditions before having been affected by the construction of levees (dikes) and the draining of wetlands and marshes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildlife of Canada</span>

The wildlife of Canada or biodiversity of Canada consist of over 80,000 classified species, and an equal number thought yet to be recognized. Known fauna and flora have been identified from five kingdoms: protozoa represent approximately 1% of recorded species; chromist ; fungis ; plants ; and animals. Insects account for nearly 70 percent of documented animal species in Canada. More than 300 species are found exclusively in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wetland conservation</span> Conservation of wet areas

Wetland conservation is aimed at protecting and preserving areas of land including marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens that are covered by water seasonally or permanently due to a variety of threats from both natural and anthropogenic hazards. Some examples of these hazards include habitat loss, pollution, and invasive species. Wetland vary widely in their salinity levels, climate zones, and surrounding geography and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem services, and support human communities. Wetlands cover at least six percent of the Earth and have become a focal issue for conservation due to the ecosystem services they provide. More than three billion people, around half the world's population, obtain their basic water needs from inland freshwater wetlands. They provide essential habitats for fish and various wildlife species, playing a vital role in purifying polluted waters and mitigating the damaging effects of floods and storms. Furthermore, they offer a diverse range of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, photography, and wildlife observation.

Biodiversity banking, also known as biodiversity trading, conservation banking, mitigation banking, habitat banking, compensatory habitat, or set-asides, describes a market-based framework for biodiversity offsetting where offsets can be traded in the form of credits to offset negative environmental impacts of development projects or activities. This involves biodiversity banks, areas with biodiversity value. On the site of a biodiversity bank, conservation activities may be carried out to preserve, restore, enhance, or conserve biodiversity. The outcomes of projects carried out at biodiversity banks are valued in the form of credits, which can be purchased as a way to offset unavoidable adverse environmental impacts, often with the aim of achieving no net loss of biodiversity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No net loss wetlands policy</span> Environmental policy goal for wetland conservation in the United States

"No net loss" is the United States government's overall policy goal regarding wetlands preservation. The goal of the policy is to balance wetland loss due to economic development with wetlands reclamation, mitigation, and restorations efforts, so that the total acreage of wetlands in the country does not decrease, but remains constant or increases.

IISD Experimental Lakes Area is an internationally unique research station encompassing 58 formerly pristine freshwater lakes in Kenora District, Ontario, Canada. In response to the International Joint Commission (IJC)'s 1965 recommendations related to transboundary pollution, the federal and provincial governments set aside these lakes to study water pollution. During the 1970s and 1980s, David Schindler, who was at that time 'Canada's leading ecologist', conducted a series of innovative, landmark large-scale experiments in ELA on eutrophication that led to the banning of phosphates in detergents. In an unexpected and controversial move that was widely condemned by the scientific community, in 2012 the ELA was de-funded by the Canadian Federal Government. The facility is now managed and operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and has a mandate to investigate the aquatic effects of a wide variety of stresses on lakes and their catchments. IISD-ELA used the whole ecosystem approach and makes long-term, whole-lake investigations of freshwater focusing on eutrophication.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodiversity offsetting</span> System to mitigation negative development impacts

Biodiversity offsetting is a system used predominantly by planning authorities and developers to fully compensate for biodiversity impacts associated with economic development, through the planning process. In some circumstances, biodiversity offsets are designed to result in an overall biodiversity gain. Offsetting is generally considered the final stage in a mitigation hierarchy, whereby predicted biodiversity impacts must first be avoided, minimised and reversed by developers, before any remaining impacts are offset. The mitigation hierarchy serves to meet the environmental policy principle of "No Net Loss" of biodiversity alongside development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nature-based solutions</span> Sustainable management and use of nature for tackling socio-environmental challenges

Nature-based solutions describe the development and use of nature (biodiversity) and natural processes to address diverse socio-environmental issues. These issues include climate change mitigation and adaptation, human security issues such as water security and food security, and disaster risk reduction. The aim is that resilient ecosystems provide solutions for the benefit of both societies and biodiversity. The 2019 UN Climate Action Summit highlighted nature-based solutions as an effective method to combat climate change. For example, nature-based systems for climate change adaptation can include natural flood management, restoring natural coastal defences, and providing local cooling.

Irena Creed is a Canadian hydrologist. She is the Vice-Principal for Research and Innovation at University of Toronto Scarborough in Toronto, Canada, and was formerly the Associate Vice-President for Research at the University of Saskatchewan, and the Executive Director of the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability in Saskatoon, Canada. Creed studies the impacts of global climate change on ecosystem functions and services, often focusing on the hydrology of freshwater wetlands and catchments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ducks Unlimited Canada</span> Canadian conservation organization

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is a Canadian non-profit environmental organization that works to conserve, create, restore and manage Canadian wetlands and associated uplands in order to provide healthy ecosystems that support North American waterfowl, other wildlife and people. They work with industry leaders, government agencies, landowners and other non-profit organizations to collaboratively protect critical habitats. DUC is a separate organization from Ducks Unlimited Inc. (DU) and Ducks Unlimited de Mexico (DUMAC). However, the three organizations collaborate on conservation projects that benefit the wide variety of species that migrate across the continent during their annual biological cycle.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Minister of Environment. (1991). The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation. Government of Canada. https://nawcc.wetlandnetwork.ca/Federal%20Policy%20on%20Wetland%20Conservation.pdf
  2. ↑ "Canada | Convention on Wetlands". www.ramsar.org. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  3. 1 2 "Wetlands 101". www.natureconservancy.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Durigon, Deborah; Hickey, Gordon; Kosoy, Nicolás (2012). "Assessing national wetland policies' portrayal of wetlands: Public resources or private goods?". Ocean & Coastal Management. 58: 36–46. Bibcode:2012OCM....58...36D. doi:10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2011.12.008 – via ResearchGate.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Environmental and Climate Change Canada (2016). "Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators: Extent of Canada's Wetlands" (PDF).
  6. ↑ Glooschenko, W.A.; Tarnocai, C.; Zoltai, S.C.; V., Glooschenko (1993). "Wetlands of Canada and Greenland".
  7. ↑ Mahdianpari, Masoud; Salehi, Bahram; Mohammadimanesh, Fariba; Brisco, B; Gill, Eric W.; DeLancey, E; Borugeau-Chavez, Laura L.; Homayouni, Saeid (January 2020). "Big Data for a Big Country: The First Generation of Canadian Wetland Inventory Map at a Spatial Resolution of 10-m Using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data on the Google Earth Engine Cloud Computing Platform". Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing. 46 (1): 15–33. Bibcode:2020CaJRS..46...15M. doi:10.1080/07038992.2019.1711366. S2CID   214003658.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Zoltai, S.C.; Vitt, D.H. (1995). "Canadian wetlands: Environmental gradients and classification". Vegetatio. 118 (1–2): 131–137. doi:10.1007/BF00045195. S2CID   37175350.
  9. 1 2 3 National Wetlands Working Group (1997). The Canadian Wetland Classification System (2nd ed.). Waterloo, Ontario: Wetlands Research Center. ISBN   0-662-25857-6.
  10. ↑ "Canadian Wetland Classification System". Wetland Policy. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  11. ↑ Lovett-Doust, L.; Lovett-Doust, J. (1995). "Wetland management and conservation of rare species". Canadian Journal of Botany. 73 (7): 1019–1028. doi:10.1139/b95-111.
  12. ↑ Canada, Environment and Climate Change (2015-02-16). "Internationally important wetlands: Ramsar Convention". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  13. ↑ North American Waterfowl Management Plan (2013). "What is NAWMP" . Retrieved 2023-04-13.
  14. ↑ Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada (2002-07-01). "Federal policy on wetland conservation : CW66-116/1991E-IN - Government of Canada Publications - Canada.ca". publications.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  15. ↑ Branch, Legislative Services (2019-08-28). "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Fisheries Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  16. ↑ Canada, Environment and Climate Change (2008-10-02). "About the Canada Wildlife Act". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  17. ↑ Branch, Legislative Services (2019-10-04). "Consolidated federal laws of canada, Canadian Navigable Waters Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  18. ↑ Forests, Ministry of. "Riparian Areas Protection Regulation (RAPR) - Province of British Columbia". www2.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  19. ↑ Ministry of Forests. "Forest & Range Practices Act (FRPA)". www2.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  20. ↑ Strategy, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. "Water Sustainability Act - Province of British Columbia". www2.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  21. ↑ Strategy, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. "Environmental Assessment Act - Province of British Columbia". www2.gov.bc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  22. ↑ Alberta Government (2013). Alberta Wetland Policy. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. pp. 7–16. ISBN   978-1-4601-1287-8.
  23. ↑ Government of Alberta (2022). Water Act (PDF). Edmonton, Alberta: Alberta King's Printer.
  24. ↑ "Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act - Open Government". open.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  25. ↑ "Public Lands Act - Open Government". open.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  26. ↑ Saskatchewan Government. "Environmental Management and Protection (Saskatchewan Environmental Code Adoption) Regulations, E-10.22 Reg 2". publications.saskatchewan.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  27. ↑ The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Act, 2005, SS 2005, c S-35.03.
  28. ↑ "The Sustainable Watersheds Act (Various Acts Amended)". web2.gov.mb.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  29. ↑ Ontario Government (2020). Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 (PDF).
  30. ↑ Government of Ontario (2014-07-24). "Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27". Ontario.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  31. ↑ Government of Ontario (2014-07-24). "Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19". Ontario.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  32. ↑ Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (2017). A Wetland Conservation Strategy for Ontario 2017-2030 (PDF). Ontario, Canada: Queen's Printer for Ontario. ISBN   978-1-4606-9987-4.
  33. ↑ Gouvernement du Québec. "chapter Q2 Environment Quality Act". www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  34. ↑ Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (2018). Quebec Water Strategy (PDF). Government of Quebec. ISBN   978-2-550-82347-6.
  35. ↑ Dy, Goulwen; Martel, Myriam; Joly, Martin; Dufour Tremblay, Genevieve (2018). Les plans régionaux des milieux humides et hydriques. Québec: Government of Quebec. ISBN   978-2-550-83500-4.
  36. ↑ Department of Environment and Climate Change (2009-04-01). "Nova Scotia Wetland Conservation Policy | Wetlands". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  37. ↑ Government of Nova Scotia (2018). "Environment Act - Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1994-95" (PDF).
  38. ↑ Office of the Legislative Counsel (1989). "Forests Act - Chapter 179 of the Revised Statutes, 1989".
  39. ↑ Prince Edward Island Government (2023). "Water Act, RSPEI 1988, c W-1.1".
  40. ↑ Legislative Counsel Office (2022). "Wildlife Conservation Act" (PDF).
  41. ↑ Legislative Counsel Office (2022). "Environmental Protection Act" (PDF).
  42. ↑ Natural Resources and Energy (2002). "New Brunswick Wetlands Conservation Policy" (PDF).
  43. ↑ Government of New Brunswick (2023). "Clean Water Act, SNB 1989, c C-6.1".
  44. ↑ Newfoundland and Labrador Government (2017). "Water Resources Act, Chapter W-4.01".
  45. ↑ "Policy for Development in Wetlands - Environment and Climate Change". www.gov.nl.ca. 2020-01-27. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  46. ↑ Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (2019). Environmental Protection Act - Chapter E-14.2. Queen's Printer.
  47. ↑ Yukon Government (2023). "A policy for the stewardship of Yukon's wetlands".
  48. ↑ Inuvialuit Water Board (2014). "Waters Act S.N.W.T. 2014,c.18" (PDF).
  49. ↑ Inuvialuit Water Board (2019). "Environmental Rights Act S.N.W.T. 2019,c.19" (PDF).
  50. ↑ Legislative Services Branch (2019-08-28). "Nunavut Waters and Nunavut Surface Rights Tribunal Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  51. ↑ Legislative Services Branch (2022-05-27). "Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act". laws-lois.justice.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  52. ↑ Legislation Division of the Justice Department of the Government of Nunavut (2008). "Wildlife Act, SNu 2003, c 26".
  53. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Clare, Shari; Krogman, Naomi; Foote, Lee; Lemphers, Nathan (2011). "Where is the avoidance in the implementation of wetland law and policy?". Wetlands Ecology and Management. 19 (2): 165–182. Bibcode:2011WetEM..19..165C. doi: 10.1007/s11273-011-9209-3 . S2CID   16723945.
  54. ↑ "Mitigation hierarchy - The Biodiversity Consultancy". www.thebiodiversityconsultancy.com. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  55. ↑ Robertson, M; Hayden, N (2008). "Evaluation of a market in wetland credits: entrepreneurial wetland banking in Chicago". Conserv Biol. 22 (3): 636–646. Bibcode:2008ConBi..22..636R. doi:10.1111/j.1523-1739.2008.00963.x. PMID   18577091. S2CID   205657512.
  56. ↑ Burgin, Shelley (2010). "Mitigation banks for wetland conservation: a major success or an unmitigated disaster?" (PDF). Wetlands Ecology Management. 18 (1): 49–55. Bibcode:2010WetEM..18...49B. doi:10.1007/s11273-009-9147-5. S2CID   46063582.
  57. ↑ Yocom, Thomas G.; Leidy, Robert A.; Morris, Clyde A. (1989). "Wetlands protection through impact avoidance: A discussion of the 404(b)(1) alternatives analysis". Wetlands. 9 (2): 283–297. Bibcode:1989Wetl....9..283Y. doi:10.1007/BF03160749. S2CID   12876156 – via SpringerLink.
  58. 1 2 Brody, Samuel D.; Highfield, Wesley E. (2007). "Does Planning Work?: Testing the Implementation of Local Environmental Planning in Florida". Journal of the American Planning Association. 71 (2): 159–175. doi:10.1080/01944360508976690. S2CID   154582085 – via Taylor & Francis Online.
  59. ↑ Woodward, Richard; Moeltner, Klaus (2009). "Meta-Functional Benefit Transfer for Wetland Valuation: Making the Most of Small Samples". Environmental and Resource Economics. 42 (1): 89–108. doi:10.1007/s10640-008-9205-0. S2CID   43175921 – via ResearchGate.
  60. ↑ Costanza, Robert; Pérez-Maqueo, Octavio; Martinez, M Luisa; Sutton, Paul; Anderson, Sharolyn J; Mulder, Kenneth (2008). "The value of coastal wetlands for hurricane protection". Ambio. 37 (4): 241–248. doi:10.1579/0044-7447(2008)37[241:tvocwf]2.0.co;2. PMID   18686502. S2CID   15164978 – via PubMedAdvanced.
  61. ↑ Robertson, Morgan M. (2000). "No Net Loss: Wetland Restoration and the Incomplete Capitalization of Nature". Antipode. 32 (4): 463–493. Bibcode:2000Antip..32..463R. doi: 10.1111/1467-8330.00146 – via ResearchGate.
  62. ↑ Reiss, Kelly Chinners; Hernandez, Erica; Brown, Mark (2009). "Evaluation of Permit Success in Wetland Mitigation Banking: A Florida Case Study". Wetlands. 29 (3): 907–918. Bibcode:2009Wetl...29..907R. doi:10.1672/08-148.1. S2CID   38322366 – via ResearchGate.
  63. ↑ Austen, Emily; Hanson, Alan (2007). "An Analysis of Wetland Policy in Atlantic Canada". Canadian Water Resources Journal. 32 (3): 163–178. Bibcode:2007CaWRJ..32..163A. doi: 10.4296/cwrj3203163 . S2CID   109403414.
  64. 1 2 3 Scarth, Jonathan (1998). "Wetland Policy in Canada: A Research Agenda for Policy Reform". Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences: 169–182.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.