Protected Areas of Canada

In 2022, Canada’s federal government committed to protecting 30 per cent of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030, with the goal of reversing the decline in biodiversity, fighting climate change, and maintaining a strong, sustainable economy. To date, about 15 per cent of Canada’s lands and waters have been protected through a wide variety of agencies. Parks Canada manages National Parks and National Marine Conservation Areas. Fisheries and Oceans Canada controls Marine Protected Areas. Environment and Climate Change Canada administers National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries. Various Indigenous Nations oversee Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas. Provincial and territorial governments manage provincial and territorial parks, as well as many other lands and waters. Some regions of special conservation concern are partly protected, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, key biodiversity areas and priority places. This collection brings together articles on Canada's protected areas, related organizations, and concepts that explain their selection and importance.