70% of our blue planet is covered by oceans, sustaining a myriad of ecosystems and providing inspiration, beauty, and resources crucial for human survival. Recognizing this significance of our oceans, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on their future.
To support this ecosystem, Canada has introduced the 2030 Nature Strategy, a comprehensive plan to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and achieve ambitious conservation targets by 2030. Following other environmental leaders such as the European Union, which introduced its Nature Restoration Law in support of their EU Biodiversity Strategy, Canada is taking significant steps towards sustainable environmental stewardship. The 2030 Nature Strategy is complemented by the Nature Accountability Bill (Bill C-73), which aims to enhance transparency and accountability in biodiversity conservation efforts.
Global Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation
Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to halt biodiversity loss and restore natural ecosystems by 2030. It outlines several key pillars to drive effective biodiversity conservation:
Recognizing Indigenous Rights and Advancing Reconciliation. Indigenous Peoples are recognized as the original caretakers of the land and waters. The strategy emphasizes upholding their rights and integrating Indigenous knowledge into biodiversity conservation efforts.
Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach. Achieving the strategy’s goals requires collaboration across all levels of government and society. This includes federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as businesses, NGOs, and individual citizens.
Supporting a Resilient Economy. The strategy aims to align economic activities with environmental sustainability, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of biodiversity.
Empowering Community Action. Local communities play a vital role in conservation. The strategy supports flexible, community-based approaches to address regional differences and engage local stakeholders.
Using Best Available Science and Knowledge. Decision-making will be guided by the latest scientific research and Indigenous knowledge, ensuring that conservation actions are evidence-based and effective.
Integrated and Transparent Approaches. The strategy promotes transparency and accountability, with clear reporting mechanisms to track progress and make necessary adjustments.
The Nature Accountability Bill is a legislative framework designed to ensure the effective implementation of the 2030 Nature Strategy. Key mandates of the bill include:
A National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. The Minister of Environment must establish and regularly update a national biodiversity strategy that aligns with global targets and long-term goals.
Regular Reporting. The government must provide regular updates on progress towards biodiversity goals, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Advisory Committee. An advisory committee, comprising experts in scientific disciplines and Indigenous knowledge, will guide the implementation of the biodiversity strategy.
Collaborative Efforts. The bill encourages collaboration between federal, provincial, and Indigenous governments, as well as other stakeholders, to effectively address biodiversity loss.
And Canada is not alone in this endeavour. The European Union recently introduced its Nature Restoration Law, a landmark regulation supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy. This comprehensive law sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems across the continent, focusing particularly on those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to mitigate natural disasters.
Europe’s nature is in alarming decline, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. The EU Nature Restoration Law aims to:
Increase biodiversity by restoring wetlands, rivers, forests, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and the species they host.
Secure ecosystem services to enhance nature’s ability to clean water and air, pollinate crops, and protect against floods.
Mitigate climate change by: limiting global warming to 1.5°C by increasing carbon capture.
Build Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy, preventing natural disasters and reducing risks to food security.
The regulation combines an overarching restoration objective with specific targets for various ecosystems, aiming to cover at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Key targets include reversing pollinator population declines, improving forest and urban ecosystems, restoring marine habitats, and increasing river connectivity.
EU countries are required to submit National Restoration Plans and report regularly on their progress, ensuring transparency and accountability in achieving these ambitious goals.
Bringing these nature and restoration strategies to life
At Whale Seeker, we’re deeply committed to marine conservation, leveraging cutting-edge technology to monitor and protect marine life. Our innovative solutions can significantly help governments and stakeholders comply with environmental regulations such as the Nature Accountability Bill in Canada and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Here’s how:
Fast, Reliable & Accessible Monitoring Solutions. Our technology provides accurate and timely data, essential for informed decision-making and conservation planning. By offering precious information on marine mammal populations, we can enable governments and organizations to track progress towards biodiversity targets more effectively.
Data-Driven Conservation. By providing robust data on marine species, we can help policymakers and conservationists develop targeted strategies to protect biodiversity. Our detailed reports and real-time data updates allow for adaptive management, ensuring that conservation and mitigation measures are both effective and efficient.
Public Engagement and Education. We are constantly raising awareness about marine conservation through public outreach. Engaging the broader community is crucial for fostering a culture of conservation and ensuring long-term success. Through awareness we support the strategy’s emphasis on a whole-of-society approach, encouraging individual citizens and communities to participate in conservation efforts.
The health of our oceans is inextricably linked to the well-being of our planet and future generations. The UNESCO 2024 State of the Ocean Report has highlighted several critical issues affecting marine ecosystems, including biodiversity loss, pollution, overfishing, and climate change. While these findings underscore the urgency of our situation, they also provide a clear call to action.
BIODIVERSITY LOSS
Marine biodiversity is plummeting at an unprecedented rate.
Whale Seeker tools provide accurate, real-time data on marine mammal populations, enabling precise detection and protection efforts for endangered species.
POLLUTION
Oceans are inundated with pollution, primarily from plastics.
Whale Seeker tools monitor marine mammal health and behaviour, helping conservationists understand the impact of pollution on marine life and inform mitigation strategies.
OVERFISHING
Overfishing depletes fish stocks at alarming rates.
Whale Seeker tools can assist in the management and enforcement of sustainable fishing practices.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change causes ocean acidification and rising sea temperatures.
Whale Seeker tools can offer essential data on species health to support adaptive management.
At Whale Seeker, we’re proud to play a vital role in this collective effort, using innovative technology and collaborative approaches to protect the ocean.
For more on how we empower evidence-based conservation, click HERE.
BLOG POST F.A.Q.
What specific actions can individual citizens take to support the 2030 Nature Strategy and the Nature Accountability Bill in their daily lives?
Individual citizens play a crucial role in supporting the 2030 Nature Strategy and the Nature Accountability Bill. Everyday actions can make a significant difference. One way to contribute is by adopting more sustainable lifestyle choices. This includes reducing plastic use, supporting local and organic food sources, and being mindful of energy consumption. Additionally, citizens can participate in local conservation initiatives, such as beach clean-ups and community science projects, which foster a deeper connection with nature and raise awareness. Educating oneself and others about biodiversity and advocating for strong environmental policies and science-based decisions also amplifies the impact. Every small action, when combined with the efforts of others, contributes to the broader goal of protecting our natural world.
How does Whale Seeker’s technology specifically contribute to the monitoring and protection of other marine species beyond whales?
What are the main challenges faced in the implementation of these global biodiversity strategies, and how are they being addressed by different stakeholders?