Recalling the commitment made by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of loss of biodiversity, and realizing the magnitude of efforts required to achieve this target, the United Nations General Assembly declared, in 2007, that 2010 be the International Year of Biodiversity.

Nature Canada is strongly positioned to endorse the International Year of Biodiversity. We have joined Countdown 2010, an initiative of the IUCN to help mobilize action to ensure that all governments and members of civil society, at every level, take the necessary actions to halt biodiversity loss in 2010.

As partners in this initiative, we have agreed to take action to save biodiversity and add momentum to reach the 2010 Biodiversity Target. In addition, we have pledged to:

1) Monitor the implementation of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) by the Canadian Government and engage, where appropriate, to ensure the effective protection and recovery of endangered species and their habitat
2) Monitor the Canadian Government’s promises to establish new protected areas and expand those already established. We are also pushing for completion of an effective network of parks to protect and connect species and their habitats, and enable them to adapt to a changing climate
3) Support and mobilize a network of people who care about nature
4) Protect key sites for breeding and non-breeding Canadian birds through the Important Bird Areas Program of BirdLife International (co-partner with Bird Studies Canada)
5) Recommend measurable, identifiable and feasible targets for the Post-2010 Target of the CBD (2020 Strategic Plan) to the Government of Canada
6) Spread the word about the International Year of Biodiversity at events, workshops and conferences held by Nature Canada, and frame upcoming events and communication products around the International Year of Biodiversity and various ‘awareness days’ such as the World Environment Day.

We encourage all of our members, supporters and all those who are keen on achieving this target to engage in enriching and important activities throughout 2010 to help us – and everyone around the world – achieve it.

Some proposed activities:

– Become an Important Bird Area (IBA) Caretaker and help us conserve our birds and their habitats

– Become a Species Watchdog and assist us in ensuring our species at risk are provided with legal protection (Please contact Nature Canada for more information)

– Put up bird and butterfly feeders around your home to promote the coexistence of humans and wildlife

– Build and erect a nest box for migratory species such as swallows or bluebirds on your property

– Join a naturalist club in your area and participate in regular outings – you might even participate in a Christmas Bird Count in your area

– Find out if you can volunteer with a wildlife rehabilitation centre in your region to help wildlife cope with the impacts of an expanding human population and habitat loss

– Find out what environmental by-laws are in effect in your community and make sure you follow them

– Learn at least 10 new things related to nature in your region. Then share them with 10 more people.

– Contribute some of your time by volunteering for a nature-related cause

– Make a donation to a group engaged in biodiversity conservation – and don’t forget about the potential benefits at tax time!

– Learn about at least 5 environmental initiatives in your own community, city or region

– Read at least one book with a biodiversity or environment theme this year

– Create an album of at least 12 nature photographs this year (e.g., 1 photo per month) and describe what aspect of each photo helps you appreciate nature

– Challenge yourself to buy local, organic food during the harvest times in your region

– Go on at least one outdoor expedition, such as a bird watching trip, to connect with nature

– Organize a native tree planting event in your community, or check with your town or city to see if a sponsored tree planting program exists