Indicator 14.1.1 Proportion of marine and coastal areas conserved

Proportion of marine and coastal areas conserved

Conserve 25% of Canada’s oceans by 2025, working towards 30% by 2030

This indicator measures the proportion of Canada’s marine area that is conserved. Conserved areas are lands and waters where human use is limited. They include protected areas as well as other effective area-based conservation measures. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Canada

Percentage

The area conserved is estimated by means of a geographical analysis based on reported boundaries, accounting for overlaps. (ECCC)

Land and/or water access and use within protected areas are controlled primarily for the purpose of conserving nature (for example, a park, a conservation area or a wildlife reserve). Other effective area-based conservation measures are also managed over the long term in ways that result in the effective conservation of biodiversity. However, they might have been established for other purposes.

Trends are estimated based on the date a site was established, rather than the date when it was recognized as a Protected Area or other effective area-based conservation measure (OECM). As such, the totals for a previous year may change as data are updated.

Comparisons with previous reports should be made with caution, as data quality and completeness continue to improve. Privately protected land and other effective area-based conservation measures contribute to achievement of Canada's targets, but many are not yet captured within the database. (ECCC)