Annual Report

Conservation

It is with the ongoing support from our dedicated supporters that we continue to work towards ensuring a lasting legacy of wildlife and wild places for future generations. We are encouraged by the countless Canadians who make a difference in their communities either through action or awareness. It is this love of wildlife and commitment to conservation that truly inspires us to continue our work.

Although Canadians are becoming increasingly active in environmental and conservation initiatives, there is still much to be accomplished in order to restore and maintain habitat. Ongoing issues, such as climate change, invasive species, the decline in water quality, habitat loss, the pollution of fresh water environments, endangered species and numerous other problems are arising in Canada’s three marine ecosystems. It is important that each of these issues be addressed, as they not only affect our wildlife and their habitats, but humans as well.

This year, an ecological-issues assessment was conducted to assess the most urgent issues facing Canada’s environment and wildlife. The assessment prompts CWF to focus its resources on the most ecologically important issues and to ensure that our efforts have the largest impact. The three critical issues identified during the 2009 assessment were climate change, water issues related to fresh water and marine conservation, and endangered species.

Climate Change » Climate change is projected to be the single greatest threat to wildlife and the natural environment in our lifetime. It has an impact on all living things, shifting animals’ natural ranges, altering the timing of migration and causing young to be born earlier. Changes in weather patterns are also particularly worrisome as they can cause problems such as the melting of Arctic ice caps or extreme weather events.
Water » Water is one of Canada’s most important resources — on a national and global scale. It supports life in both our fresh water and marine ecosystems; is used in agriculture, recreation and industry; and even sustains human life. Considering that Canada holds one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, it’s easy for Canadians to think of our water as an unlimited resource. However, we still face both water quality and quantity concerns.	Species at Risk » Our wildlife is in a state of decline like never before. Nearly one-third of assessed species across the globe are threatened with extinction, and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has listed 585 species in Canada to be at some level of risk—extinct, extirpated, endangered, threatened or of special concern.
Habitat Stewardship » CWF is committed to informing the public about the actions they can take to help conserve wildlife. Small gestures, from planting native plants to installing a pond in your own backyard, can make a world of difference to Canada’s wildlife.	Conservation Achievement Awards » Each year, CWF recognizes deserving Canadians who have played a valuable role in conserving wildlife and habitat in their region. The Conservation Achievement Awards honour the volunteers and professionals who are making significant contributions to the conservation of Canada’s natural heritage and legacy. In 2009, six winners were selected, each representing a different aspect of conservation.

What You Can Do...

...To Help Protect Canada’s Species

Avoid the use of pesticides.
Compost
Provide food, water, shelter and space — the four requirements for survival — right in your yard by growing native plants.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Lend your voice in opposition to local projects that will negatively impact wildlife and the environment
Donate to the CWF »

Together, we can make a difference!

Conservation

What You Can Do...

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