The Race to Protect 30% released today assesses how governments across the country are falling short

VANCOUVER / UNCEDED xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵ wx̱wú7mesh AND səlilwətaɬ TERRITORIES — Wilderness Committee today released a detailed report on how and why the federal and provincial governments are failing to meet Canada’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of lands and waters by the year 2030 (30x30).

The Race to Protect 30% audits the conservation efforts of the federal government, and those of Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, assessing how much progress has been made since the goal was adopted by Canada at the 2022 COP15 United Nations Biodiversity Summit. Currently, for example, Canada’s at only 13.8 per cent of lands protected and the provinces suffer similar gaps in protection.

“It’s scary to think of a world where the 30x30 target isn’t achieved,” said Conservation and Policy Campaigner Lucero González. “Taking a look at Canada's current progress makes this fear more real than ever. The most concerning part of governments falling behind is not that ecosystems aren't protected, but that without protection, they're being destroyed with no limit in sight.”

Missing targets, ignoring solutions

The new report focuses on the importance of the 30x30 target as a commitment to halt biodiversity loss in Canada’s new era of fast-tracked resource extraction, signalled by legislation like Bill C-5. The Wilderness Committee gives a clear-eyed analysis of the misguided political values behind these bad decisions and how current geopolitical events are compounding a problem that’s always been part of colonial decision-making in Canada and fuelling biodiversity degradation at record-breaking speed.

“The federal government needs to take immediate action to renew the 30x30 commitment and demonstrate to provincial governments that nature protection is a priority and not a barrier for a healthy economy and strong future here,” said Ontario Campaigner Katie Krelove. “Laggard provinces such as Ontario need to be reminded that federal support for economic projects is dependent on robust conservation targets and partnerships.” 

The Race to Protect 30% details several Indigenous-led conservation visions the Wilderness Committee is working to support. It explains how Indigenous-led conservation and shifting decision-making back to rightful titleholders can drive both economic transformation and the protection of ecosystems everyone depends on.

A political problem

The report situates Canada’s 30x30 commitments within a global context, highlighting the country’s responsibility to halt the harmful expansion of Canadian extractive industries in the Global South as an essential part of meeting the target.

“Empty ambitions from weak-willed politicians won’t serve the Earth,” said Wilderness and Water Campaigner Eric Reder. “Nature and climate care is a deadly serious undertaking that must be funded and followed up on. We can’t afford more biodiversity loss that will bankrupt our children. 30x30 is the bare minimum needed right now.”  

“This report breaks down how shortsighted and cowardly governments at the federal and provincial levels are holding back progress to protect more ecosystems, something there is interest in across the country,” said Associate Director Torrance Coste. “It features first-hand research and draws on our team’s experience working to protect nature and fight climate change alongside Indigenous communities, grassroots advocacy groups, scientists, lawyers and countless others.” 

The Wilderness Committee will continue to build partnerships with communities to uplift, promote and build support for protected areas visions across Canada.

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The full report (in PDF form), along with related media assets, including images and maps can be accessed in this folder with captions and credits.

For more information please contact:
Lucero González. | Conservation and Policy Campaigner
lucero@wildernesscommittee.org

Eric Reder | Wilderness and Water Campaigner
eric@wildernesscommittee.org

Torrance Coste | Associate Director
torrance@wildernesscommittee.org