Conservation planning
WCS Canada helps to shape land use planning and impact assessment policy.
Our research makes the case for nature conservation and supports bigger picture planning approaches. Regional and cumulative impact assessments and holistic land-use planning processes are our best tools for ensuring wild areas are not subject to death by a thousand cuts.
The Challenges
A need for big-picture thinking
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Canada has some of the largest intact wild areas remaining on the planet. But the continued existence of these areas is not the result of good planning, but simply due to the sheer size of this country and the concentration of our population in southern areas.
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These areas are Indigenous homelands. Our work supports the protection of Traditional Territories and their significant ecological and cultural values.
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Current planning processes often don’t look at the big picture: what’s at stake and how new projects will add to other pressures on wild species, like climate change. They focus too much on reducing harm instead of making sure development is truly sustainable – for nature, people and the economy. This approach is leading to a steady loss of biodiversity throughout Canada.
Our Solutions
Addressing development impacts at meaningful scales
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We use our scientific knowledge to address biodiversity and climate impacts in different sectors. Our expertise helps to form and change impact assessment policies, conservation-based land use planning and protected areas.
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We’re working closely with several First Nations in northern Canada to support conservation planning.
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We provide expertise and scientific knowledge on managing the impacts of development.
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We also consider climate adaptation in conservation planning.
Finding critical areas for biodiversity
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Our Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) program identifies areas with high biodiversity values that need improved stewardship. These areas can be in the heart of large urban areas or in remote landscapes. So far, we’ve identified more than 1,000 KBAs across Canada.
Projects
Ring of Fire
More than minerals at stake
Yukon Climate Change
Why we need to plan for a changing climate and landscape
Stories and op-eds
Demystifying the Mitigation Hierarchy
A practical guide to one of the most important, yet misunderstood, frameworks in conservation and development decision making.Justina Ray, Ciara Raudsepp-Hearne
This World Wildlife Day, what are we willing to sacrifice for “progress”?
Constance O'Connor
Turning the frame: What we miss when we rush decisions about nature
It seems like 2025 has been characterized by daily news stories about “fast tracking” development or “cutting red tape.”Justina Ray
Media coverage
‘Better Decisions Earlier, Not Weaker Decisions Faster’: Canada’s Permitting Overhaul Faces Pushback
'Always left in the dark': Federal funding delays are holding back species conservation
Locals push for changes to impending conservation authority amalgamations
Press releases
National Peatland Strategy proposed to protect climate-critical ecosystems amid extraction and industrial development rush
WCS Canada has today unveiled a proposed National Peatland Strategy, calling on federal, provincial, and territorial governments to adopt urgent measures to safeguard Canada’s most carbon-rich ecosystems.
