An urgent, ambitious nature agenda is taking hold across the globe that scales up conservation to levels capable of halting the loss of Earth’s remaining biodiversity. A ‘high ambition coalition’ of countries including Canada have pledged to meet a target of conserving 30% of the world’s lands and oceans by 2030 (the 30 x 30 commitment). US President Biden made this commitment in one of his early executive actions. Quebec and California are ahead in delivering on the promise of 30×30.

Ontario currently sits at 10.7%.

Getting to 30% requires the vision and leadership of all of us: Indigenous Nations, environmental organizations, communities, municipalities, conservation authorities, progressive industry, land trusts and more. It will also need leadership from the Ontario government.

In Ontario, many people and organizations have been toiling for years, often by themselves or with partners, to protect special places. Let’s boost all these important efforts and together lay out a new vision for protected areas that will put Ontario on track to meet the 25% by 2025 and 30% by 2030 commitments. The purpose of the online Summit is to celebrate current efforts to protect special places. The Summit will highlight areas that will ultimately meet the international definition of a protected area.