It is the Provincial Government’s responsibility to protect and preserve outstanding examples of Newfoundland and Labrador’s diverse natural heritage.
Biodiversity protection is a global priority. Canada is a signatory to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, which commits to protecting at least 17 per cent of Canada’s land and inland waters by 2020. Newfoundland and Labrador has made significant strides towards this goal with a total of 53 provincial protected areas and eight federal protected areas. Work is underway to increase the area under provincial protection according to the Newfoundland and Labrador Protected Areas Strategy.
Using a three-component framework, the strategy aims to secure representative portions of our diverse landscapes and examples of our special sites. The framework is key to designing a network that ensures adequate protection of examples of Newfoundland and Labrador’s biodiversity based on scientific research, sound conservation practices, and a solid understanding of the processes of ecological systems – an approach used in various forms around the world.