Nature Network member groups have a new opportunity to work with and influence local land use planning and management authorities in Ontario, such as municipalities. It involves encouraging municipalities to contribute to achieving Canada’s commitment to protect 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. This target (known as “30by30”) was reaffirmed at the 15th Conference of the Parties for the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Montreal, in December 2022.  

Several municipalities are already demonstrating leadership by publicly embracing the 30by30 target or by having their conservation lands assessed (e.g., Environmentally Sensitive Areas, county forests, municipal parks) to determine whether they can count towards the target. Nature Network member groups can enhance and augment these efforts, by promoting opportunities among municipal staff and decisionmakers and by helping to build and demonstrate local support.  

In this Zoom meeting video, Ontario Nature provides an overview of the 30by30 target and highlight ways that Nature Network member groups can get involved. We discuss tools available as well as best practices from municipalities already contributing towards the 30by30 target. There will be opportunities for participants to share perspectives and ask questions about the role they could play in supporting municipal contributions to the national commitment. 

Thank you for your interest in this opportunity to increase recognition of municipal lands in Canada’s protected areas target. Questions may be directed to Lesley Rudy at [email protected].