Water sources: wetlands
In this section:
Introduction
A wetland is an ecosystem where the soil is either permanently or temporarily saturated with water. They contain plants adapted to very wet soil. Examples of wetlands include marshes, swamps, bogs and shallow open water.
Wetlands are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. Wetlands have been recognized as important ecosystems for many reasons (PDF), including:
- Providing habitat for wildlife, including species at risk and migratory birds
- Filtering pollutants
- Buffering against flooding and drought
- Absorbing and storing carbon, reducing the effects of climate change
Wetlands are also one of the Earth’s most endangered ecosystems, and their conservation is vital to addressing both climate change and biodiversity loss. Wetlands are threatened by urbanization, industrial expansion, agricultural activities, and resource extraction. In southern Canada alone, approximately 70% of wetlands were lost by 1990. In densely populated areas across the country, estimated losses have reached 98%.
Indigenous partners are vital to the successful conservation and stewardship of Canada’s lands and waters, including wetlands. The leadership and guidance of Indigenous Peoples are critical to achieving Canada’s conservation goals.
Wetlands conservation
The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation (FPWC)
Wetland conservation in Canada is a shared responsibility. The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation (FPWC) is a key instrument supporting Government of Canada actions. It promotes the conservation of Canada’s wetlands to sustain their ecological and socio-economic functions, now and in the future.
The FPWC has seven goals. They are:
- maintaining wetland functions and derived values;
- ensuring no net loss of wetland functions on federal lands;
- enhancing and rehabilitating wetlands where loss has reached critical levels;
- recognizing wetland values;
- securing significant wetlands;
- recognizing sustainable management practices; and
- using wetlands in a sustainable manner.
To achieve these goals, the FPWC has the following strategies:
- developing public awareness;
- managing wetlands on federal lands and waters and in other federal programs;
- promoting wetland conservation in federal protected areas;
- enhancing cooperation;
- conserving wetlands of significance to Canadians;
- ensuring a sound scientific basis for policy; and
- promoting international actions.
The FPWC applies to decision-making and activities by federal government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. This includes decisions on federal funding to other organizations.
The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP)
The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) is a tri-national partnership to conserve waterfowl populations. It was signed by the governments of Canada and the United States in 1986, with Mexico joining in 1994.
The Plan was established in response to significant declines in waterfowl populations observed in the early twentieth century, prompting coordinated conservation efforts. Today, the Plan outlines the work to be done across the continent and provides broad guidelines for habitat protection and management actions. This includes the conservation and restoration of wetlands.
Federal provincial/territorial, and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Industry, Indigenous peoples, and landowners work together to achieve the NAWMP's goals. Through their work, NAWMP partners have shaped land-use planning and agriculture practices; increased wetland conservation; integrated science and monitoring into planning and delivered habitat programs.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) was adopted and signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. Its mission is to ensure the conservation and wise use of all wetlands. Canada joined the Convention in 1981.
Canada has designated 37 Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar sites) under the Convention, including Ahiak Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Nunavut (formerly Queen Maud Gulf), which is one of the largest Ramsar sites in the world. In total, Canada has designated over 100,000 km2 of wetland area as Ramsar sites. Many of Canada’s Ramsar sites are in National Parks, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, National Wildlife Areas, and other protected and conserved areas.
Status of wetlands in Canada
The Canadian National Wetlands Inventory (CNWI) is a national database on wetlands in Canada. It compiles the best available data on wetlands, organizes them into a geodatabase, and makes it available to the public.
The CNWI also works to add new and more detailed information, particularly in areas of the country where wetlands data has been limited or unavailable. To support this effort, Environment and Climate Change Canada has partnered with other federal departments, provinces and territories, academia, industry, NGOs, and Indigenous Peoples to collect and consolidate relevant data. The CNWI can be viewed through the Open Government Portal.
The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators (CESI) track Canada’s performance on key environmental issues. The Extent of Canada's wetlands indicator reports the area covered by freshwater wetlands. Over time, it will allow us to measure change.