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Biodiversity in Ontario - Protecting What Sustains Us
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is all around us – it's the variety of life on Earth, from the tiniest insect to a vast northern forest. Biodiversity is also about being connected – no one species lives without other species that provide its food and habitat. We humans are a part of this life system that enriches our lives and sustains us.
In 2004/2005 the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the public and many partners developed a plan to help protect the province's biodiversity. Learn more about Ontario's Biodiversity Strategy and the actions that will ensure that the variety of life will be available for future generations.
NEW! Interim Report on Ontario’s Biodiversity 2008
The Ontario Biodiversity Council has released an Interim Report on Ontario’s Biodiversity. This report is an important milestone towards reporting on the state of Ontario’s biodiversity in 2010. The Interim Report provides an overview of the state of biodiversity in Ontario including a discussion of biodiversity threats and examples of conservation actions being undertaken across the province.
Discover Biodiversity!
You can learn more, get involved and make connections by exploring the options below. Each of us has a role in protecting biodiversity. Find out how you can make a difference.
Meeting the Challenge: Ontario Biodiversity Council
Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy seeks to engage more Ontarians in our efforts to achieve the goals of protecting biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable use of our biological assets. One means of achieving this objective is an action to create an Ontario Biodiversity Council.
MNR Programs and Tools
Explore these programs and tools to equip yourself with the information you need to help protect Ontario's biodiversity.
Do you want to know:
- which species in Ontario are listed as “Endangered”? Visit the Species at Risk website
- more about rare plants or animals found in your area and how to report them? Check out the Natural Heritage Information Centre's (NHIC) website.
- why wetlands are important and how they are protected? Learn more on the Wetlands page.
- how to apply for funds to complete a conservation project? Go to the Stewardship Fund page of the Species at Risk website.
- whether your land qualifies for a conservation land tax reduction? Read more about the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program (CLTIP)
- where to report an invasive species? Visit the Invasive Species page.
Photography
Banner - Boy in field of wildflowers by Wasyl Bakowsky.
Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) by John Mitchell.
Girl with magnifying glass by Wayne Eardley.
This site is maintained by the Government of Ontario
Last Modified: May 20, 2008