1. Improve wetland conservation, protection and management decisions, with emphasis on responsible management and landscape/watershed planning.
2. Support Canada’s social, economic and reconciliation goals.
3. Strengthen the role of wetlands in support of Canada’s national and international conservation commitments.
Canada has more than 1.2 million square kilometers of wetlands — an area greater than the size of Ontario. Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth and they offer valuable benefits to society.
Outdoor recreation enthusiasts retreat to wetlands to hunt, fish, trap and birdwatch and northern Canadian wetlands support a sustainable sphagnum peat industry. Wetlands also contribute to the economy by storing carbon, purifying water, regulating water flows, preventing erosion, filtering nutrients and providing wildlife habitat and food resources. Manmade infrastructure alternatives are costly and can’t replace the range of services.
Wetlands provide $4.27 billion/year in services worth for the Canadian economy. For every dollar invested in wetland conservation, Canadians receive $22 worth of services (Anielski et al., 2014).
Despite their evident value, more than 20 million hectares of Canada’s wetlands have been lost to urban, industrial, agricultural and recreational development since colonization (North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Canada), 1994). In settled areas, such as parts of southern Ontario, losses approach 90% (Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2010). Though society’s regard for the environment is increasing, we continue to lose nearly 12,000 ha of wetlands annually (Ducks Unlimited Canada, unpublished estimate).
The Canadian Wetland Roundtable is refining estimates of the economic value that wetlands provide — an important first step towards inspiring Canadians to consider the value of wetlands.
Using sound science to advance wetland conservation.
The Canadian Wetlands Roundtable advances wetland science and communicates results to Canadians. We promote science-based best management practices to land managers and back information-based decision making by governments to promote sustainable development.
Responsible management through wetland policies, programs, legislation and regulations
CWR is uniquely positioned to advance dialogue between industry and conservation groups. It recommends a consistent national approach based on a common interest in supporting wetland conservation while advancing sustainable development. Such standards would then be used to promote progressive policies that benefit wetlands.
Encouraging wetland conservation and responsible management through partnerships
CWR seeks to expand its industry and conservation network through partnerships and collaboration.
Finding solutions and building support for wetland conservation
Public and stakeholder engagement are critical to conserving wetlands in Canada. CWR takes current science and builds support for progressive policies and legislation. We make Canadians more aware of wetlands and bring industry and conservation together to work on common ground.
Anielski, M., Thompson, J. and Wilson, S., 2014. A Genuine Return on Investment: The Economic and Societal Well-being Value of Land Conservation in Canada. Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Ducks Unlimited Canada. 2010. Southern Ontario Wetland Conversion Analysis: Final Report. Barrie, Ontario. 23 p.
North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Canada). 1994. Wetland Policy Implementation in Canada. Report No. 94-1. Ottawa, Ontario. 127 p.
Through grants to Canadian organizations that promote advocacy, education, conservation and helping others, the Cabela’s Canada Outdoor Fund enhances opportunities for the outdoors community to enjoy the outdoors. This valuable work is enabled through the generous support of Cabela’s customers who round up to the nearest dollar at checkout in Cabela’s retail stores, through the call centre and online at cabelas.ca.
