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Marshes, bogs, fens, swamps, and open water play an important role in protecting our health and well-being, by reducing water pollution, preventing flooding, limiting droughts, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These landscapes provide hundreds of species with safe places to eat, sleep and raise young. Wetlands are also part of the traditional territories of many Indigenous Peoples who remain deeply connected to these lands.

One-third of global peatlands are in Canada’s arctic and subarctic areas and boreal regions spread over 1.1 million square kilometers (about 12% of Canada’s land area). They store about 150 billion tonnes of carbon, about 25% of the world’s peatland carbon.

In settled areas of Canada, up to 70% of our wetlands and peatlands have been destroyed or degraded. Many wetlands have been drained for farming, new buildings and homes, mines, logging, and roads. Due to rising global temperatures, permafrost is rapidly thawing in these areas, altering carbon storage dynamics in peatlands, and increasing the amount of carbon dioxide and methane released.

If you’re interested in learning more about how peatlands sequester carbon and promote biodiversity, check out the Northern Peatlands in Canada story map, a resource created by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada!

1. Protect

Only one-eight of peatlands are protected in Canada. Expanding this protection is critical.

Peatland Protection →

2. Manage

Conservation finance tools, ranging from tax incentives to payment for ecosystem services, can help private landowners better manage wetlands and benefit their communities.

Only One-eighth of Canada’s Peatlands are protected

Peatlands have been impacted by the peat moss industry and their importance is indispensable — expanding the protection of these landscapes is critical. Road development in wetlands and peatlands should be reduced or prevented. The involvement and leadership of Indigenous peoples are central in all such efforts to protect Canada’s wetlands and peatlands.

Examples

Taking Action in Canada

Check out these examples of ways that nature-based climate solutions are being used in wetlands. They might help you to think of projects for your community!

Nature Conservancy of Canada has supported initiatives to reverse wetland loss on Pelee Island in Ontario and the Campbell River estuary in British Columbia.
Municipal examples of wetland management.

The Mushkegowuk First Nations in Northern Ontario play a leadership role in protecting northern peatlands in Canada and are calling for formal protection and a moratorium on industrial activity.
A no net-loss wetlands policy adopted by Strathcona County in Alberta.

Nature Conservancy of Canada has supported initiatives to reverse wetland loss on Pelee Island in Ontario and the Campbell River estuary in British Columbia.
Municipal examples of wetland management.
The Mushkegowuk First Nations in Northern Ontario play a leadership role in protecting northern peatlands in Canada and are calling for formal protection and a moratorium on industrial activity.
A no net-loss wetlands policy adopted by Strathcona County in Alberta.

Resources for Action

Basic facts and introduction to Canada’s wetlands and protection approaches

Ducks Unlimited Canada offers wetland restoration programs in most provinces.

City of Edmonton: A wetland protection strategy and toolbox

A suite of strategies and tools designed to secure and manage natural wetlands, and engage the public and other partners in their conservation.

Wetlands On My Lands

A landowner guide for restoring and maintaining wetlands in Alberta.

Conservation Ontario

Conservation authorities have a mandate to undertake watershed management programs to ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of lands, waters for environmental, social and economic benefits.

Peatlands and climate change

Learn more about the importance of peatlands and the effects of climate change from IUCN.

It’s time to start paying attention to Canada’s peatlands

The Canadian Geographic provides a breakdown of the issues surrounding Canada's peatlands.

Living Next To A Swamp Makes Me Worry About A World Without Wetlands

In Canada and around the world, most wetlands are in trouble.

Get in Touch

Here are organizations that you can contact to learn more about nature-based climate solutions in wetland areas.

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited is the go-to organization in Canada for wetland information, including wetland conservation and restoration activities.

Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Nature Conservancy of Canada has protected over 14 million hectares in Canada, across many of these lands they have engaged in wetland restoration and protection. They have chapters in each province and territory and you can find the local office contact information on their website.

More Landscapes

Forests

Canadian forests are a key element to mitigating climate change and protecting biodiversity.

Agriculture

Farmers and ranchers are the largest private landowner group in Canada, managing about 8% of Canada’s lands.

Grasslands

Hundreds of plant species and more than 60 species at risk depend on Canada’s grasslands.

Coastal & Ocean Regions

In addition to helping mitigate the effects of climate change, these areas are home to many species.

Urban Areas & Communities

Urban areas generate about 40% of greenhouse gas emissions while being increasingly threatened by climate change.

Want to Help?

Canada’s wilderness is the world’s envy. It’s our duty to keep our true north strong and green.