EMPOWER PEOPLE

This strategic direction includes ways to encourage more active and inclusive participation in biodiversity conservation and integrate biodiversity values into all sectors of the economy.

Society is more aware of the importance of biodiversity and its main threats. While awareness is growing, we are still not doing enough to stop biodiversity loss in Ontario.

To succeed, our behaviours and actions need to change:

  • Design policies and action plans that encourage people to make informed and responsible choices.
  • Share information and develop tools and training that support equitable participation in conservation.
  • Create more and different opportunities for people to get involved in stewardship.
  • Increase our appreciation and understanding about biodiversity so that it is valued and considered in our everyday decision-making.

TARGETS

ACTIONS

1

By 2025, sectors have developed action plans in support of Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy and by 2030 those plans are being implemented.

  • Develop and implement plans to incorporate biodiversity values into all levels of government, and across business, health, education, industry, not for profit, and natural resource sectors.
  • Adapt governance systems, including enhancing law and policy, to support biodiversity action.
  • Explore creative ways to achieve positive biodiversity outcomes, such as recognizing the Rights of Nature.
2
icon showing hands and water droplet

By 2025, the capacity for people to conserve biodiversity is increased and by 2030 people are taking action to protect and care for biodiversity in their daily lives.

  • Support and expand biodiversity stewardship and guardianship by Indigenous communities, landowners and local communities.
  • Support Indigenous communities to identify, preserve and protect cultural keystone species and their habitats.
  • Continue to develop and share information about how biodiversity links to human health, climate change, and the economy.
  • Continue to integrate biodiversity education into all levels and all types of curricula, including in non-formal education and non-traditional subject areas such as business, engineering, health and public policy.
  • Increase availability of tools and training to support actions for biodiversity.
3

By 2030, biodiversity conservation programs and actions are inclusive, equitable and reflect Indigenous knowledge and diverse perspectives.

  • Encourage equitable and meaningful participation of biodiversity decision-making and conservation, at all levels including engaging with youth, new Canadians, Indigenous communities and other under-represented groups.
  • Collaborate with and support Indigenous communities and organizations to develop and lead biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Working across sectors

This strategy is for everyone who lives and works in Ontario. We hope all people and organizations see actions and a role for themselves within it. When we say ‘sectors’ we mean everyone. Examples of sectors include those that:

  • operate in the public, private, or non-profit realms,
  • extract and harvest raw materials, such as aggregates, mining, forestry and agriculture,
  • build or make products using raw materials to make finished goods, like construction of homes and businesses, manufacturing and processing,
  • offer services such as recreation, tourism, retailer, entertainment, transport and financial companies,
  • include knowledge and intellectual pursuits such as research, consulting and education.

What is mainstreaming biodiversity?

Mainstreaming biodiversity means integrating biodiversity into decision making so that it becomes everyone’s business and is part of our day-to-day lives. As individuals and citizens, we are responsible for taking good care of the resources we use and upon which we depend. From the purchases we make at the grocery store to the flowers we plant in our gardens and the decisions made in managing our businesses or providing services in our communities, we all impact biodiversity. Our choices and actions will ultimately determine the state of biodiversity now and in the future.

Let us know what you think!
We’d love to hear from you.

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or send us an email at info@ontariobiodiversitycouncil.ca