The Pathway to Canada Target 1 Initiative works towards achieving Canada Target 1 of the 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets for Canada. Canada Target 1 states: “By 2020, at least 17% of terrestrial and inland waters, and 10% of marine and coastal areas of Canada are conserved through networks of protected areas and other effective area-based measures.” With the passing of the initial timeframe for Canada Target 1, the federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to Canada Target 1 with a new goal to protect 25% of Canada’s land and waters by 2025 and working toward protecting 30% of each by 2030.
Among the objectives of the Pathway to Canada Target 1 Initiative, is to recognize protected and other conserved areas beyond the federal, provincial and territorial government systems. The identification of privately protected and conserved areas is a key step in achieving the target and recognizing the contributions made by non-governmental organizations.
Since 2021, the Ontario Land Trust Alliance has been providing support services to land trusts across Ontario to support the screening and reporting of land trust properties to the Canadian Protected and Conserved Database [CPCAD].
