My name is Taylor Wilson, and I am the Species at Risk and Biodiversity Team Lead at Coastal Action located in Nova Scotia, Canada. Coastal Action, established in December 1993, is a charitable, research-based organization that addresses environmental concerns in Atlantic Canada, mainly within the Kespukwitk (South Shore) region of Nova Scotia. Our goal is to promote the restoration, enhancement, and conservation of our environment through research, education, action, and community engagement for future generations.

Coastal Action is currently tackling many environmental issues that fall under the following theme areas: Species at Risk and & Biodiversity, Watersheds and & Water Quality, Climate Change, Environmental Education, and Coastal and & Marine. Our projects rely on strong partnerships with other organizations, funders, and advisors to ensure successful outcomes when working towards common goals that promote and conserve biodiversity and species at risk.

As a first-time participant in Nature on the Hill, I am committed to promoting and sharing our experience with species at risk and biodiversity research and  management, and look forward to learning from many groups advocating for the protection of our beautiful Canadian ecosystems. Our participation in Nature on the Hill envisions advocating to advance and safeguard the protections of 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030.

To promote biodiversity and safeguard our ecological landscapes it is crucial to prioritizing and preserving well-connected corridors and areas of high representative biodiversity. Safeguarding and protecting our ecological landscapes requires the inclusion, support, and perspectives of Indigenous and local communities to further advance protections. Encouraging and engaging both private and public interest in environmental stewardship is crucial for conservation success. Increased funding must be directed towards supporting these efforts to ensure the protection and preservation of our ecological landscape and biodiversity, including species at risk. Additionally, further critical habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species at risk must be designated and protected, and multi-species recovery and ecosystem approaches should continue to be implemented and amplified to protect threatened species and ecosystems.

One of the long-standing portfolios of Coastal Action includes the conservation of the endangered Atlantic whitefish, which heavily relies on funding streams such as the Habitat Stewardship Program for Aquatic Species at Risk. Maintaining availability and increasing funds for habitat restoration and conservation (including critical habitats and wildlife corridors) of species is the foundation for recovery for all of our Canadian species at risk.

YOU CAN HELP!

You can help Nature Canada and our Nature Network partners like Coastal Action who are going to Nature on the Hill to halt and reverse nature loss. Send a letter to your MP calling for:

• A strong National Biodiversity Strategy that is enforceable, equitable, and fully-funded.
• A Nature Accountability Act to ensure that the Strategy goals are met.

SEND YOUR LETTER NOW!