At a Glance – Evaluation of ECCC’s participation in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Ramsar Convention
August 2025
1. Program Overview
North American Waterfowl Management Plan
The first North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP or the Plan) was signed in 1986 by Canada and the United States (U.S.), with Mexico joining in 1994. The purpose of the Plan was to collaborate on the long-term conservation of ducks, geese, and swans. Although the first iteration of the Plan focused on waterfowl populations in support of hunting, it was recognized early on that the conservation of wetlands and other habitats is key to sustaining these populations. Over time the NAWMP evolved to prioritize wetland conservation activities and increase attention to non-waterfowl birds that benefit from their habitat conservation efforts, namely species of grassland birds, marsh birds, and shorebirds whose populations are in decline.
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) especially as waterfowl habitat is an international agreement established in 1971 that provides the framework for cooperation for the conservation of the world's wetlands. Every three years, signatories to the Ramsar Convention meet to consider guidance on a range of ongoing and emerging environmental issues, and to agree on actions to implement the Convention for the next triennium. The Strategic Plan contains agreed-upon targets related to the wise use of wetlands that signatory countries are expected to meet. Over the evaluation period, the activities that fulfilled these targets were the focus of the implementation of the Ramsar Convention in Canada.
2. Scope
The evaluation of ECCC’s participation in the NAWMP and the Ramsar Convention covers the 6-year period from 2018-2019 to 2023-2024. The evaluation focuses on the following themes:
- Delivery and resources
- Results and performance information
- Relevance and alignment
3. Methodology
A variety of sources was used, including:
File review. Approximately 100 files including program documents, reports, contribution agreements, and backgrounders.
Data analysis. About 1,000 data points of administrative and financial data.
Interviews. 5 interviews and informal discussions with program administrators and officials.
4. Findings
4.1. Delivery and resources
ECCC's involvement in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) includes financial contributions and key implementation roles. Despite challenges in integrating new priorities, the NAWMP supports effective wetland conservation through public-private partnerships and funding from partners. Delivery of the Ramsar Convention in Canada is achieved through Canada's broader conservation plans and initiatives.
4.2. Results and performance information
Activities under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan have positively impacted millions of hectares of priority waterfowl habitat in Canada. Participation under the Ramsar Convention has promoted the integration of wetland protection into national strategies and planning processes. Despite these efforts, habitat loss and degradation continue. The lack of a comprehensive wetland inventory and monitoring data impedes accurate performance measurement. Funding was allocated for 10 years up to 2030-2031 and work is underway to develop a Canadian National Wetlands Inventory.
4.3. Relevance and alignment
ECCC's participation in the Ramsar Convention is aligned with its mandate. Participation in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan is also aligned and has further contributed to ECCC's mandate to conserve nature by safeguarding and rehabilitating wetlands. Despite these efforts, habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation are ongoing. Additionally, climate change is an emergent threat to conservation values and the lack of baseline data on the extent of wetlands in Canada poses significant challenges in addressing climate change impacts and accurately assessing the full extent of conservation effort results.
5. Conclusion
Looking ahead, continued efforts are needed to address the growing pressures on wetland ecosystems. Current and expected climate change impacts on ecosystems also demand dedicated attention. Integrating climate resilience into NAWMP action plans and accelerating the development of the Canadian National Wetlands Inventory are important next steps. Given the uncertain future of the NAWMP and ongoing work at ECCC on the Canadian National Wetlands Inventory, no recommendations are made to senior management.