How we got here

Biodiversity Conventions and Strategies

International Actions

Canada was one of the many countries that signed the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (1992), a document that provides a global direction for biodiversity policies. It is dedicated to conserving the world's biodiversity, and promotes the sustainable use and equitable sharing of all biological resources. The Convention sets out the goals, policies and general obligations needed to conserve biodiversity. Under the Convention, all countries are responsible for achieving Convention goals. This can only be achieved if we work together.

For more information on the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, visit: www.biodiv.org.

National Actions

The Canadian Biodiversity Strategy (CBS) was developed in 1995 in response to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (1992). The strategy sets out the measures required to meet the obligations of the Convention, to enhance coordination of national efforts to conserve biodiversity and to use biological resources in sustainable ways.

The CBS recognizes existing constitutional and legislative responsibilities for biodiversity in Canada. It emphasizes the importance of inter-governmental cooperation to create the policy, management and research conditions necessary to advance ecological management.

In addition, the Biodiversity Convention Office of Environment Canada maintains the Canadian Biodiversity Information Network (CBIN). This network covers new developments under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. It also provides information on implementing the Convention in Canada through the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy.

Provincial, territorial and federal governments, in cooperation with stakeholders and the public, are committed to implementing the goals and directions of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. For more information on the Canadian Biodiversity Information Network and the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, visit: www.cbin.ec.gc.ca.

Provincial (Ontario) Actions

Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy (OBS) was developed in 2005 to support and complement Canada's vision of biodiversity conservation as contained in the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. The strategy aims to conserve Ontario's abundant variety of plants, animals, birds, fish and insects, as well as the forests, wetlands lakes and rivers they inhabit. Ontario is taking steps to ensure that biodiversity will continue to enrich our lives and provide us with clean air and water, as well as the food, fibre, medicine and other biological assets that we require to survive.

Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy was developed by a broad spectrum of contributors including aboriginal, municipal, industry, environmental and conservation leaders, government agencies, and members of the public. Implementation of the strategy is designed to engage these same parties and inspire people across the province to support the goals of the strategy through their own actions.