The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and Ontario Nature are pleased to announce the addition of six NPCA properties, comprising 279.48 hectares, towards Canada’s goal of protecting and conserving 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030, known commonly as the 30×30 target. Nearly 200 nations, including Canada, committed to 30×30 by endorsing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP15 in 2022, with the aim to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
NPCA has been contributing properties to the 30×30 target since 2020, with total contributions now standing at an impressive 1902.45 hectares, which is equal in size to twelve Brock University campuses.
The six contributing properties include extensions of existing NPCA properties including Beamer Memorial, Rockway, Lathrop, Binbrook Tract and Ruigrok Tract as well as a newly acquired parcel from Ontario Power Generation on the Welland River. Using the criteria of the pan-Canadian standard, Ontario Nature assessed each property for their ecological significance, value to wildlife and measures for long-term protection, resulting in the properties counting as Protected Areas towards the 30×30 target.
Several of the submitted properties occur along the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, which represents the largest continuous natural corridor in south-central Ontario. The unique geological formations and diverse ecosystems upon which these NPCA properties are situated provide a haven for wildlife, including species at risk like Monarchs, Snapping Turtles, Eastern Milk Snakes and Barn Swallows. Other special features and designations across these sites include Provincially Significant Wetlands and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest.
Through involvement in the 30×30 target, NPCA demonstrates high standards for conservation of the watershed’s most sensitive natural features and species. NPCA’s commitment to the 30×30 target and strong measures to protect local greenspaces aligns with the efforts of the Municipal Protected Areas Program (MPAP), led by Nature Canada.
Quotes
“NPCA is proud to support Canada’s 30×30 target with the addition of six protected properties totaling nearly 279.48 hectares. This achievement highlights our ongoing commitment to conserving the watershed’s natural heritage and advancing collaborative efforts to safeguard lands of ecological importance for the benefit of current and future generations.” – Leilani Lee-Yates, NPCA CAO & Secretary-Treasurer
“Our warmest congratulations to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) for their outstanding contributions to Canada’s protected areas target. With this being the organization’s second time contributing, NPCA sets a high standard in biodiversity conservation for others to follow. Ontario Nature is proud to work alongside leaders like NPCA.” – Tony Morris, Conservation Policy and Campaigns Director, Ontario Nature
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About Ontario Nature:
Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents more than 30,000 members and supporters, and 150 member groups across Ontario.
About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA):
The NPCA is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. NPCA offers watershed programs and services focusing on flood and hazard management, source water protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship and land management.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 43 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Jennifer McQuillan (jmcquillan@npca.ca)
Communications and Marketing Specialist
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
905-933-0532
John Hassell (johnh@ontarionature.org)
Director of Communications and Engagement, Editor
Ontario Nature
416-444-8419 x269