I recently had the opportunity to represent Nature Canada at the Birdlife International Global Conference held in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Birdlife Life International Partnership is a worldwide network of over 110 national conservation NGOs, with ten million supporters.

My long journey back home provided me the time to reflect on lessons learned, the people I met and the work that is being accomplished around the world. Simply put, I was humbled and inspired!

Despite the challenges that we are facing due to climate change and the accelerated rate we are losing habitat, there remains hope among many conservationists. The world has become more aware of the challenges we face and the need to maintain biodiversity, and this dedicated group of people recognizes that the need to act now is critical.

Collectively, BirdLife partners have identified and documented 10,000 Important Bird Areas across the globe, established over 500 local conservation groups that protect IBAs, and written over 600 national, regional and global Species Action plans.

I return to Nature Canada with more determination and hope knowing that we are part of this growing network of committed individuals and we are making a difference.