Reposted here with permission from Parks Canada.
Parks Canada is leading and supporting the creation of 10 new national marine conservation areas (NMCAs) by 2025. These areas will contribute to Canada’s commitment to the international goal to protect 25% of marine and coastal areas by 2025, and 30% by 2030. That’s a lot of new NMCAs!
National marine conservation areas offer a ton of benefits. They’re a winning combination of healthy marine environments, communities, and livelihoods. There are a number of steps involved in creating new NMCAs. Leadership from Indigenous nations and support from coastal communities are important for creating successful NMCAs… for building better health for us, and for the planet.
Parks Canada has over 30 years of experience creating marine and freshwater NMCAs. Strong Indigenous leadership, and a close collaboration with other partners, have been key to protecting and conserving these areas.
Together, we have protected and conserved 5 NMCAs in 6 unique marine regions across 3 provinces and 1 territory. Another 7 proposed sites are in different phases of a feasibility assessment to become an NMCA.
Find out more about Parks Canada’s work in this area.