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Linking Mapping to Policy:
Species at Risk and of Cultural Value

Species at Risk and of Cultural Value

Species at risk are plants and animals that are in danger of becoming extinct or extirpated from Canada. ESAs often correlate closely with the habitats of species at risk. As such, species at risk benefit from protection of sensitive ecosystems. Protecting natural areas and ensuring sufficient connectivity among ESAs for the long term through zoning, designating parks or other bylaws, will contribute to the recovery of species at risk and prevent additional species from becoming at risk.

Indigenous Peoples have indicated that the term “species at risk” does not express their world view of connectedness between species and places, and that it excludes cultural and spiritual values. The term “culturally significant species” is a better way of expressing those values. These species may not necessarily be listed as species at risk by the federal government, but declines in their abundance have made these species increasingly difficult to find for food and other cultural practices. Protecting ecosystems that contain habitat for all of these species is essential for their survival. 

During conversations with First Nations representatives to determine how best to represent species of cultural significance, we received feedback that most First Nations do not want areas where species of cultural significance are present to be displayed. Secondly, they felt that the First Nations worldview is more holistic and not confined to a single species. Hence, we focused on mapping layers that show overall ecosystem health, ecologically sensitive areas and ecosystems at risk rather than individual species.

This information can be used to make land use and zoning decisions that retain and enhance ecosystem services and that leverage opportunities for nature-based solutions, rather than further erode them.
 
To advance nature-based climate resilience and biodiversity protection, local governments should establish clear and long-term land use and environmental objectives that can be achieved through policies linked to targets and indicators. 
 

Recommended policy objectives:

1. Protect species at risk and their habitat, and the connections between them. 
2. Ensure that development does not result in net loss of native biodiversity.
3. Identify and monitor indicator species, habitat and ecosystems to understand changes over time. 
4. Protect, conserve and restore last remaining healthy ecosystems, ecosystems at risk, and ecologically sensitive areas.