Nature isn't something that exists just in far-off parklands. We are part of nature and it surrounds us, even in our busy urban lives. The Foundation uses science-based advocacy to protect and restore wilderness landscapes and nature in our backyards. We work to reconnect Canadians with nature in their neighbourhoods and ensure that decision-makers adequately value the essential benefits nature provides.
Foundation helps establish world's largest-ever conservation agreement
This past year was historic for one of our most precious wilderness areas, the boreal forest. Through an unprecedented agreement between logging companies and environmental groups, we were able to suspend logging in millions of hectares of northern forest, stretching from Newfoundland to B.C. While this was an amazing accomplishment — the world's largest-ever conservation agreement — there is still much more to be done as we work with First Nations, industry, and government to establish protected areas and create action plans for recovering caribou populations.
Canadians call for end to grizzly hunt
In spring, we revealed through our research study that B.C.'s grizzly bears are hunted at an unsustainable rate, even in provincial parks. We reviewed government data for the more than 10,000 grizzly bears killed by hunters in B.C. since the late 1970s. Our analysis showed more than 60 provincial parks where grizzly bears were hunted for sport. Canadians were alarmed, and thousands sent messages to our leaders asking for an end to the sport hunting of grizzlies. We continue to demand that the province close a loophole in its Wildlife Act to ensure parks are safe havens, not grizzly hunting grounds.
Getting rid of lawn and garden pesticides
Following successful efforts to ban the cosmetic use of pesticides in Ontario, New Brunswick, and Quebec, we joined an unprecedented coalition of 18 health and environment organizations demanding the B.C. government pass similar legislation. While a new law to prohibit the use and sale of toxic lawn and garden chemicals is supported by more than 75 per cent of British Columbians, we eagerly await action to protect residents.
Research highlights patchy protection of species at risk
The Foundation published a series of scientific studies this past year, revealing an inadequate patchwork of laws and policies that put more than 1,900 species at risk in B.C. Notably, one of our studies illustrates that when a species crosses the border into B.C. it often faces serious perils; it could potentially go from a province or state where it's protected by law to staring down the barrel of a gun. We continue to advocate for a strong new law to protect species in B.C., one of only two provinces that have not yet passed stand-alone legislation to protect endangered species.