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A primer on Spaces and SpeciesThe Nature of Canada: The Environmental Citizenship Series
(c) Minister of Supply and Services Canada 1993
The goal of the Environmental Citizenship Initiative is to help provide Canadians with the means to make environmentally responsible decisions. This primer has been written as part of this initiative, in order to foster the development of an environmentally literate citizenry. It is one of a series of Environmental Citizenship primers that includes:
A Primer on Environmental Citizenship
A Primer on Fresh Water
A Matter of Degrees: A Primer on Global Warming
A Primer on Ozone Depletion
A Primer on Waste Management
For information regarding Environment Canada publications please contact your local Environment Canada office, or contact the Environment Canada Enquiry Centre (819) 997- 2800 or 1- 800- 668- 6767.
The Nature of Canada: A Primer on Spaces and Species
Acknowledgements
We are indebted to the many people who contributed to, edited, reviewed, and helped with the production of this document. Many people in the federal government (in particular from Parks Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Service) and from non- government organizations have given a great deal of time and effort to help us prepare this document. Their assistance and dedication are much appreciated.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface ix
Chapter 1 Introducing the Nature of Canada At a glance The nature of Canada
Chapter 2 The Science of Nature At a glance Ecology Ecosystems Wildlife Biodiversity Human Ecology
Chapter 3 The Cultural Heritage Perspective At a glance People, culture and the environment History Heritage Forum: What would you do?
Chapter 4 The Importance of Spaces and Species At a glance In the beginning Survival Health Wealth Wisdom Forum: What would you do?
Chapter 5 The Changing Nature of Canada's Spaces and Species At a glance The changing nature of Canada Endangered spaces and species Profiles on the changing nature of Canada Change: For richer or poorer?
Chapter 6 The 100 Per Cent Solution At a glance The 100 percent solution Setting aside protected natural areas Stewardship: Making room for wildlife Protection and stewardship of our cultural heritage 2500 Days: Can we make a difference in this decade? Forum: What would you do?
Chapter 7 Programs for Protection and Stewardship At a glance Research for the protection of spaces and species Identifying spaces and species Protecting biodiversity Protecting ecosystem diversity Protecting both natural and cultural heritage Protecting historic places Protecting critical wildlife habitat Promoting stewardship of spaces and species
Chapter 8 What You Can Do for Spaces and Species At a glance Seven steps to making a difference At home In your yard On rural property At the cottage In the community When shopping During leisure When travelling
Appendix A Directory of Organizations
TABLE OF FIGURES Figure 1 The pitcher plant
Figure 2 The forest as a vital process
Figure 3 Extinct Canadian species or populations of a specific species that have disappeared from Canada
Figure 4 Total number of species, subspecies, or populations designated as endangered, threatened, or vulnerable
Figure 5 Causes of wetland loss in Canada south of o North 77
Figure 6 Statement of commitment to complete Canada's systems of protected areas
Figure 7 Map of national parks and national marine parks
Figure 8 Map of Canadian World Heritage Sites
Figure 9 Map of national historic sites administered by Parks Canada
Figure 10 Map of federally managed wildlife areas
Figure 11 Canadian Wilderness Charter
Preface We should be proud of Canada. It has a wealth of wildlife, mountains, lakes, forests, rivers and other natural features. It has a fascinating history. It is home to people of many different cultures who have enriched our cultural heritage. However, many Canadians do not understand how much Canada's natural and cultural heritage contributes to our national identity, the degree to which this heritage is threatened, or the role that each of us can play in preserving it.
This primer focuses on Canada's special spaces and species our protected areas, wildlife and cultural heritage. It is about wild species in their habitats, people in theirs, and the relationship between them. Using a question- and-answer format, we try to help Canadians understand the threats to our spaces and species and what must be done to counter them. We describe action that is being taken now, and how people and communities across the country can help.
The primer elaborates on the three goals for protecting our natural and cultural heritage set out in Canada's Green Plan:1
to set aside as protected space 12 percent of the country;
to maintain and enhance the health and diversity of our wild animals and plants; and
to commemorate and protect the historical heritage that is important to all Canadians.
The main messages are:
As Canadians, we should value our natural and cultural heritage. It's a key part of our identity.
There is a problem. We are losing our natural and cultural heritage.
The problem is urgent.
Part of the solution is a system of protected areas.
Part of the solution is to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat.
Part of the solution is to protect cultural heritage.
Part of the solution is for us to work together. We all have a role to play.
The efforts of educators, environmental groups, businesses and community organizations will all be needed to achieve "a 100 percent solution."
Although this primer should interest a general readership, it is particularly intended for environmental educators working in both formal and informal settings. We encourage you to use it in developing learning materials suited to your audiences, to support your efforts to help Canada's spaces and species.
We emphasize that this is a consultation edition. We welcome your comments and criticisms, which will help us in preparing the next edition. Please help us by completing the comments sheet in Appendix C.
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