Description

In this activity, students will start to explore the 2020 Biodiversity Goals & Targets for Canada, and consider how they relate to each other and action/awareness they see in their own communities. 

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Task

Review the 2020 Biodiversity Goals & Targets for Canada:

In 2015, Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments released the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada in response to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2010 and its global Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The four goals (listed as A, B, C, D) and nineteen targets reflects Canada's particular context and priorities for biodiversity conservation. Overall, Canada's goals and targets encourage:

• Better land use planning management
• Environmentally sustainable management across sectors
• Improving information about biodiversity ecosystem services
• Raising awareness of biodiversity and encouraging civic participation

Find a list of the goals and targets in the "Learning Objectives" section below - you can click on each target for more information. You can also download a brochure of the goals here: 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets.

2. Watch this video: The Most Important Conservation Commitment You've Never Heard Of

3. Alone, in groups, or as a class, review all the goals and targets in the 2020 Biodiversity Goals & Targets for Canada document.

4. Select one goal to focus on. Find and circle your goal on the concept map template HERE. Use it to answer the following questions: 

• Is your goal independent of all the other goals listed or is it interconnected?
• If we can solve one of these goals nationally do we solve any other goals?
• If these goals are category headings, are there sub-categories or mini-goals we could achieve in resolving the larger issues? 
• Upload your Connection Map and your reflection answers to the virtual classroom HERE. Please list any team members who have also contributed to the map in your title. (For example... Sarah & Mike, Edmonton: Activity 3)Please read  and comment on at least 3 other submissions

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Learning Objectives

Goal A. By 2020, Canada's lands and waters are planned and managed using an ecosystem approach to support biodiversity conservation outcomes at local, regional and national scales.

• Target 1. By 2020, at least 17 percent of terrestrial areas and inland water, and 10 percent of coastal and marine areas, are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures. More information on Target 1...
• Target 2. By 2020, species that are secure remain secure, and populations of species at risk listed under federal law exhibit trends that are consistent with recovery strategies and management plans. More information on Target 2...
• Target 3. By 2020, Canada's wetlands are conserved or enhanced to sustain their ecosystem services through retention, restoration and management activities. More information on Target 3...
• Target 4. By 2020, biodiversity considerations are integrated into municipal planning and activities of major municipalities across Canada. More information on Target 4...
• Target 5. By 2020, the ability of Canadian ecological systems to adapt to climate change is better understood, and priority adaptation measures are underway. More information on Target 5...

 

Goal B. By 2020, direct and indirect pressures as well as cumulative effects on biodiversity are reduced, and production and consumption of Canada's biological resources are more sustainable.

• Target 6. By 2020, continued progress is made on the sustainable management of Canada's forests. More information on Target 6...
• Target 7. By 2020, agricultural working landscapes provide a stable or improved level of biodiversity and habitat capacity. More information on Target 7...
• Target 8. By 2020, all aquaculture in Canada is managed under a science-based regime that promotes the sustainable use of aquatic resources (including marine, freshwater and land based) in ways that conserve biodiversity. More information on Target 8...
• Target 9. By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks and aquatic plants are managed and harvested sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem-based approaches. More information on Target 9...
• Target 10. By 2020, pollution levels in Canadian waters, including pollution from excess nutrients, are reduced or maintained at levels that support healthy aquatic ecosystems. More information on Target 10...
• Target 11. By 2020, pathways of invasive alien species introductions are identified, and risk-based intervention or management plans are in place for priority pathways and species. More information on Target 11...
• Target 12. By 2020, customary use by Aboriginal peoples of biological resources is maintained, compatible with their conservation and sustainable use. More information on Target 12...
• Target 13. By 2020, innovative mechanisms for fostering the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and applied. More information on Target 13...

 

Goal C. By 2020, Canadians have adequate and relevant information about biodiversity and ecosystem services to support conservation planning and decision-making.

• Target 14. By 2020, the science base for biodiversity is enhanced and knowledge of biodiversity is better integrated and more accessible. More information on Target 14...
• Target 15. By 2020, Aboriginal traditional knowledge is respected, promoted and, where made available by Aboriginal peoples, regularly, meaningfully and effectively informing biodiversity conservation and management decision-making. More information on Target 15...
• Target 16. By 2020, Canada has a comprehensive inventory of protected spaces that includes private conservation areas. More information on Target 16...
• Target 17. By 2020, measures of natural capital related to biodiversity and ecosystem services are developed on a national scale, and progress is made in integrating them into Canada's national statistical system. More information on Target 17...

 

Goal D. By 2020, Canadians are informed about the value of nature and more actively engaged in its stewardship.

• Target 18. By 2020, biodiversity is integrated into the elementary and secondary school curricula. More information on Target 18...
• Target 19. By 2020, more Canadians get out into nature and participate in biodiversity conservation activities. More information on Target 19...

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Continue to 4. Goal A & Action in Your Community (Oct 28 - Nov 4) »