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Nature Canada Annual Report 2009-10

Nature Canada produces an annual report so that you, the people who make our work possible, can learn more about the activities Nature Canada is involved in, and the successes we’ve achieved.

You can download the entire annual report, or read the letters from our Chair, Richard Yank and Executive Director, Ian Davidson.

Letter from the Chair

Canada is a nature nation and its wild species and places are integral to our very identity as a country. However, over the last few decades Canadians have been losing this connection as populations in urban areas expand and opportunities to connect with nature decline.

As we end the 70th year of Nature Canada, we reconfirm our commitment to effectively connect Canadians with nature, instilling respect and appreciation, while acting in its defense.

The past year has brought many changes to Nature Canada, including our first leadership transition in over 15 years. Like many organizations, we have been evaluating and adjusting as the economy begins to recover and I am pleased to report that Nature Canada is in good financial health. And, most important, we have been listening to our members and partners as we shape new directions for the organization.

At the end of March, Nature Canada's Board adopted new strategic directions that build on the past and adapt to and address new challenges and opportunities. We will focus on protecting species native to Canada across the range of sites and habitats in which they occur, as well as fostering a culture of nature conservation within Canadian society – what we call the people element.

Our Annual Report is our organization's opportunity to take stock and report to you on our achievements during the 2009 and 2010 period, as well as thank the many people and partner organizations who have been a part of our collective conservation successes. Your support makes what we do possible.

Sincerely,

Richard Yank
Chair, Board of Directors

Letter from the Executive Director

I returned to Canada after many years in Ecuador where I worked with a network of some of the most progressive biodiversity-focused conservation organizations in the western hemisphere. Nature Canada is a strong partner in this network, and with partners throughout the Americas, we seek new and effective ways to conserve Canada's diverse wildlife and healthy ecosystems that support them.

Since April 2009, we have made major inroads in conserving Canada's nature. These include: participating in the creation of the 10,700 square kilometre Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve along the coast of Labrador; speaking directly to decision makers to ensure effective legislation for Canada's species at risk; first steps towards engaging 400,000 8th graders in protected areas across Canada; supporting local communities in their efforts to conserve 150 global Important Bird Areas; providing expert input on the impact of major energy projects in Alberta and the Northwest Territories; and advocating for the outright protection of Suffield National Wildlife Area – one of the largest tracts of undisturbed native grasslands in Alberta and all of Canada.

One of our most memorable moments was shared with the Labatiuk Family whose son Charles left a legacy for Beaverhill Lake, one of Alberta's most prestigious sites for migratory birds including Snow Geese and many species of shorebirds. Through this generous gift, an endowment was established to provide, into perpetuity, resources for the long-term study and conservation of this globally significant area. We see this model as a means to secure a future for similar biologically outstanding sites across the country.

Nature Canada was created to work, through partnerships, for the conservation of all nature, and it is with these partnerships that we strive to ensure nature conservation is advanced across Canada and throughout the range of Canadian breeding species.

I invite you to read this Annual Report, which describes and acknowledges the many exciting initiatives of the organization.

Best,

Ian J Davidson
Executive Director

Annual Report Archives:

	2008-09 Annual Report
	2007-08 Annual Report
	2006-07 Annual Report
	2005-06 Annual Report
	2004-05 Annual Report
	2003-04 Annual Report