CWS and the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI)

Because of its mandate to conserve migratory birds, the Canadian Wildlife Service has played a primary role in the development of the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI). This coordinated effort among Canada, the United States and Mexico has as its goal the maintenance of the diversity and abundance of all North American birds.

In Canada, this goal will be reached through integration of the conservation efforts currently underway for: Waterfowl, Landbirds, Shorebirds and Waterbirds.

Priority-setting and planning within ecoregion-based Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) will provide a biologically-based framework for integration of bird conservation initiatives. Important habitats and land-use issues identified through this process will be addressed through joint venture partnerships in each BCR similar to those undertaken through NAWMP.

National coordination of this effort in Canada occurs through the NABCI Canada Council, chaired by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Environment Canada's Environmental Conservation Service. Council members include representatives from provincial governments, non-government organizations, the four bird plans, and habitat Joint Ventures.

Internationally, each country sends representatives to NABCI Trinational Committee meetings. CWS acts as the representative of Canada at those meetings.

Implementation of NABCI in Canada will: increase the effectiveness of existing and new initiatives, enhance coordination among new and traditional conservation partners, foster greater cooperation among the nations and peoples of the continent, and build on such existing structures as joint ventures, and stimulate new initiatives and mechanisms as appropriate. The initial phase of NABCI will focus on development and planning to lay a strong foundation for success. Integration of bird conservation into strategic, habitat-based conservation initiatives will provide benefits to many other wildlife species, and may provide a new model for biodiversity conservation in North America.

Canada, the United States and Mexico share many bird species. By working cooperatively for their conservation, these three countries hope to protect shared resources like the Indigo Bunting. Photo: J.R. Graham, Parks Canada.

For more information on NABCI in Canada, contact:

Silke Neve
Canadian Coordinator
North American Bird Conservation Initiative
Canadian Wildlife Service
351 Blvd. St. Joseph; 3rd floor
Gatineau Quebec
K1A 0H3
Tel: (819) 994-0512
Fax: (819) 994-4445
E-mail: s.neve@ec.gc.ca

Related links:

Canadian Wildlife Service (Quebec Region) NABCI website

NABCI Canada, Fact Sheet (PDF 40 KB)

NABCI Strategy and Action plan

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