The Largest Coordinated Effort for Species Recovery in Canadian History
One third of the earth’s imperiled species teeter on the brink, desperately needing targeted interventions to ensure their very existence. In Canada, over 40% of federally listed species-at-risk hang in the balance, awaiting species-specific conservation translocations to turn the tide. Responding to this urgent call, the Wilder Institute has devised the Wilder Canada Action Plan—a visionary 10-year biodiversity action strategy poised to redefine species conservation in our country.
Addressing Urgent Conservation Needs.
In an era of perilous imbalance between humanity and nature, the Wilder Institute and its partners stand as a beacon of hope, spearheading wildlife conservation and ecosystem restoration. Canada needs a holistic approach integrating Indigenous knowledge, community perspectives and Western science to create a wilder future. With a steadfast commitment to bring imperiled species back to where they belong and fostering collaborative partnerships, the Wilder Institute is reshaping the very fabric of conservation at home and abroad.
Dr. Gráinne McCabe, chief conservation officer at the Wilder Institute and a leading voice in conservation, highlights the importance of this ambitious endeavor: “It’s a ‘Made in Canada’ approach to conservation, blending public and private sector collaboration. If successful, it will be the largest coordinated species recovery effort in our nation’s history.”
Taking Action for a Wilder Future.
The Wilder Canada Action Plan, a proposed $300M private-public partnership, focuses on targeted conservation translocations to safeguard Canada’s endangered species. This involves relocating animals and plants, utilizing methods such as reintroduction, assisted colonization, and reinforcing wild populations through conservation breeding and propagation.
Through collaboration among governments, Indigenous nations, NGOs, researchers, and landowners, the plan aims to restore robust populations of endangered wildlife nationwide, addressing Canada’s biodiversity challenges with tailored solutions. This marks a significant stride towards achieving Canada’s conservation targets.
Making a Difference—One Species at a Time.
Endorsed by esteemed institutions like the IUCN, the plan aligns with Global Biodiversity Frameworks for comprehensive conservation. With over 30 years of experience, our proven track record of bolstering wild populations showcases scalable, evidence-based solutions rooted in community engagement.
Beyond halting species loss, this plan addresses the widespread lack of capacity in complex conservation methods. A key focus will be on building capacity, fostering collaboration, and expanding participation by partnering with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to bring non-traditional actors into the translocation sector. Success in conservation requires the active involvement of everyone, not just conservationists. We need a whole-of society approach, this is what our plan will help to achieve.
Guiding Conservation Together.
We recognize that reconciliation is a journey. The Wilder Canada Action Plan will continue to reflect our commitment to inclusive conservation approaches by incorporating diverse perspectives into our shared conservation efforts – because only together will we find successful solutions that benefit wildlife and people.
Preserving Nature’s Legacy.
Under the sky, we are all one. Canada’s Wilder Institute envisions a world where the balance between wildlife and human life is restored. Together, we can ensure wildlife thrives, ecosystems flourish, and future generations inherit a world where we all belong.
Learn more at wilderinstitute.org/wilder-canada-action-plan.
